Newsletter

February 2011 Newsletter

Valentine's Everyday by Pat Harley

At our house February really is a "celebration of love" month. Not only do we celebrate Valentine's Day but also several birthdays of friends and family. As for me and my husband, he was born the day before Valentine's Day and I was born the day after. It makes for a lot of celebrating and a lot of cake and ice-cream and enough caloric intake for a month.

One thing about having a day that is set aside for "love" is that it really does bring out the best in people. More roses and chocolate are sold in that month then any other. Restaurants are packed the week before and the week after Valentine's Day. Hallmark makes a fortune as cards fly off the shelves and the postal service is overworked trying to handle all the extra mail.

These cards belie the belief that Valentine's Day is just for lovers. Friends let friends know how much they are treasured. Kids take this opportunity to give moms praise for all she does, and parents surprise their children with gifts that reflect how much they are loved. Whether hand written or printed the message is always welcomed. I love you ... three simple words that carry a wallop to the heart, a blast to the mind and laughter to the soul.

I, who loves chocolate, roses and cards, wonder why Valentine's Day can't be every day. But then in the very beginning it was suppose to be that way. Oh I don't mean that chocolates would be on the kitchen counter on a daily basis, or that the mailbox would always hold a card or flowers would be delivered routinely. Neither one's hips, nor wallet could handle that. But it would be wonderful if sin would not hamper the flow of love from one person to another, if pride or jealousy or anger were not even a part of the human race. Yes, that would be heavenly.

There is something so hopeful about the verse in 1 John 4:7. "Beloved, let us love one another for love is from God and every one who loves is born of God and knows God." Love one another when played out makes for a perpetual Valentine's Day. Oh, candy will not have to be a daily gift, but love does, and it can be wrapped in words, in hugs, in gifts, in praise, in service or in time. And it begins at home and radiates to neighborhoods and communities and to the world.

We at Big Dream Ministries wish you and yours a very happy and love filled Valentine's Day that lasts all through the year.