Five years ago today I spent my afternoon working with a guy that I didn’t know then would be my best friend for life… After work he asked me if I wanted to go with him to help him pick out a Valentine’s gift for his mom from his dad. His dad, seventy something years old, was not well enough to get out on his own and gave Brian five dollars with instructions to get his mom something nice. I still smile every time I think of that sweet gesture.
Well of course, where else do you go to get an awesome $5 Valentine’s day gift but Wal-Mart? As we walked the aisles of that crowded store full of others getting a last minute gift or card, I started letting myself feel what I’d been trying to deny for quite a while… I was falling for this sweet, funny, charming, smart wonderful man! I know, every romantic fairy tale begins with a trip to Wal-Mart, right!?!
So our journey didn’t begin with a candlelight dinner or flowers or chocolates; it was just a simple night, spent helping my future husband pick out a gift that his dad could proudly give to his Valentine. (That’s Brian, always doing for others.)
Now five years later, we have built a family together, made a home together, and this Valentine’s Day we decided we wanted to start sharing this holiday with our children… making it a family celebration of our love for each other, but more importantly God’s love for us! I pray that as they grow they will see through their dad and me that God loves them more than anybody else, and that more importantly than receiving a box of chocolates from that Valentine, they will feel the love of God that satisfies all their deepest desires.
I know there are many people on Valentine’s day who don’t have a date, are still grieving over a lost loved one, or may be spending the day away from your family because of work or some other reason. I pray that God will fill each of your hearts with peace and love, and that each of us, no matter what our circumstances today, can celebrate the unconditional love that is available to us everyday that we open our hearts to accept it.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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