How I Treat My Valentine

The other day in the car, while I was driving, I reached over and held his hand—he took my hand in both of his and held it to his chest.  I didn’t close my eyes (because I was driving), but it was a powerful moment.  We drove like that for a while—wordlessly telling each other how much we loved one another. 

The next day, I barely spoke with him other than to ask him for help with something I was stressed about—which he was happy to do. 

The following morning, I poured over a note he left me.  Tears filled my eyes as I soaked in his powerful, faithful love for me.  I quickly wrote him one back—thanking Him and proclaiming my love for him.

But, later, I forgot all about the letter as I grouchily asked him where he had been while something awful was happening and gave him an earful about how alone I felt.  He listened patiently and somehow melted my anxiety eventually. 

Today, I’ve hardly spoken to him.  He tried to pull me into an embrace this morning, but I declined as I didn’t have time and was rushing to get the lunches made and get the girls to school and head off to work.  I called him briefly from the car, but only to ask him to do something for me to make my day go a bit easier.  I also asked that he do whatever it took to make sure the girls had a delightful day as well.  He patiently listened. 

I did call him again later when I was stressed out about something else. This time, I managed to listen to his wise counsel and felt comforted.  He opened his arms for a hug, but something caught my attention and I walked away. 

Just now, a note on my mirror caught my eye.  I had taped it there a long time ago.  There it was on pink paper—crinkled from shower steam—a reminder about my Valentine. 

 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136:26 

My beloved speaks and says to me:
“Arise, my love, my beautiful one,
    and come away…

Song of Solomon 2:10 

These are of course invitations from the Lover of my soul to remember His love and take time to be with Him.  

This week, I am saddened by the way I’ve treated my Valentine.  And yet, He loves me no matter what.  This fact never ceases to amaze me and today I want to declare my love for the Lord: I love Jesus and I long to love Him more!