Happy Valentine's Day!

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:31-35 ESV).

Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be just about us. If we are as intentional about loving Him as we are about loving each other, the whole day can still bring glory to the Creator. James, the brother of our Lord wrote: Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens (James 1:17). With that in mind, let me make four suggestions of ways that we might honor God on this day. 1. First, use some time during the day to write down all of the ways God has shown His love for you. Go big and broad. Notice the love of God’s for you through the bird singing outside your window or the crazy dog you have adopted sleeping at the foot of your bed. See His love through the little arms hugging your neck and the heat in your home on a cold morning. Be acutely aware of the presence of God as He blesses you. 2. Second, be intentional in doing some good in your world today. The Wisdom of Solomon has this to say as a reminder: Never walk away from someone who needs help; for you may be the hand of God to that person (Proverbs 3:27 The Message). Be His hands and share His love with someone else. 3. Third, read with someone today. You may not have a child in your home any longer, so copy passages from your favorite poetry, Scripture, or common prose and tuck them into places where strangers will find them. Perhaps you can visit the local convalescent center and read to some of the older patients who may not be able to do any longer. It may be that you leave these short notes in the break room where you work, or tucked into magazines in the waiting rooms of doctors offices (always ask for permission). Let God lead you to leave blessings for someone to find by divine appointment. 4. Fourth, love others. Love is a verb. Love your loved ones. Call your family and friends. Go out of your way to serve your children or grandchildren. Celebrate them today. Do something special for your spouse. Let your family see the love of Jesus reflected through you. Have a very special day! Happy Valentine’s Day!