Love, Valentines, & God

Since it's that time of year again, I've had some people ask me, "So, Eryn, what are you doing for Valentine's Day?" I always say, "Nothing. Valentine's Day is a holiday for sweethearts." I've always viewed it as a day for boyfriends/girlfriends and husbands/wives. Today, though, my thoughts on Valentine's Day changed, thanks to the Lord and "Brio & Beyond Magazine" (Focus On The Family's magazine for teenage girls).

As I read a few articles from "Brio & Beyond," it dawned on me that Valentine's Day is a holiday for all of us. Now I'm looking forward to a fun and exciting time participating in the holiday. This year, Valentine's Day is going to be a time of thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for my family and friends who love me so much. I've decided to show them my appreciation by painting them a Valentine's card and telling them how I'm thankful for them and all that they do for me. They are always there for me and love me unconditionally.

But even if I didn't have anybody on this earth that loved me, I could still celebrate this holiday with thanksgiving and joy. Here is the reason why: "In this was manifest the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10). Jesus is the One who loves me the most no matter what, who is always there for me, who helps me, who protects me, who stays true to His promises, who always forgives me, who gives me eternal life, who saved me from sin, who has and will continue to do for me what no man can do! This is the greatest love and the love that I'm most thankful for. This love isn't just for me but for everybody.

I hope that this Valentine's Day you will join with me in praising God for His love and showing your love and appreciation for others. But let's not do this just on Valentine's Day...let's make it an everyday thing!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your love and those who love me. Help me to show my appreciation by bearing the 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love...the love that is patient, kind, humble, pure, the kind that rejoices in truth, the kind that believes, hopes, and endures. I love You, Lord. May I remain Yours forever. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.