Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. If you had forgotten, there's still time to get a gift or card. To be sure, the day is exploited by those who print cards, arrange flowers, or manufacture jewelry. According to Hallmark Cards, about 190 million cards will be sent on Valentine's Day, second only to Christmas in numbers. That doesn't include the little packaged cards that school kids pass around, either. At an average cost of $3 per card, that a staggering sum of money. Add in chocolate, flowers, and diamonds and it is obvious why a segment of the retail world loves St. Valentine.
As with every gift-giving occasion, there will be multiple motivating factors for the exchange of cards or flowers. There will be 'pay-offs,' the 'gifts' presented in the hope of settling some old emotional debt. There will be manipulative presentations, something given in the hope of gaining advantage. A lot of roses will be sent by dutiful husbands just because 'it's the right thing to do.' And, there will be cards exchanged that were lovingly chosen for the message they carry; gifts given to delight the recipient.
I am glad for the reminder to love. Last time I checked, love was in short supply in a world full of criticism, impatience, war, greed, and power struggles! Don't you agree? So, it's great to celebrate caring. Valentine's Day is not just for romance! The origins of the celebration are murky but most sources agree that they were about a priest who resisted injustice and raised awareness of the importance of caring for each other. Whether you're romantically 'in love' or not, you can celebrate Valentine's Day, showing concern for others.
Take the opportunity to write a note of appreciation for that person who has served you faithfully this year - your child's teacher, a coach, a good friend whose been there when you needed her. Tip the wait staff extra and express your appreciation for the way they make your life a bit more pleasant. Expressions of caring don't always have to be grand or cost $100! Back in 2000, Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt acted in a movie that told a story about caring, Pay It Forward. A boy's Social Studies teacher encourages his students to search for a project to make their world a better place. The boy decides to do three acts of kindness with the only payment being that the person do three acts of kindness for others. Sounds sappy, right? It's much better than I describe it! It's worth the rental cost.
Christ Jesus invests Himself in us, and asks us to 'pay it forward.' He says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:9-14, NIV)
At the risk of stating the obvious, let me remind us that Christian love is much, much more than sending a card or buying some flowers.
It is a deeply other-focused way of life that actively attempts to serve, to care, to be involved. It is costly! Jesus died for us for love's sake. So, here's a suggestion. Sharpen your human caring skills this week. Let all the Valentine's stuff be a prompt that causes you to ask, "How would Jesus want me to react, to respond, in this situation? How can I show real love?" As you do this in a Spirit-inspired way, people will take note and Jesus said the quality of our love will be THE mark that we belong to Him.
Meditate on this today ---
"This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:35, The Message)
______________
Father, I sing about your love, receive the benefit of your love, and
often am almost completely unaware of how blessed I am to be loved so wonderfully.
I worship You for the gift of Jesus Christ, a gift of love that changed me forever.
Spirit of God, work in me today - deeply, profoundly,
causing me to love others, the unlovely as well as those who love me.
Lead me to people who need to know of their worth in Your sight and
teach me how to pour out what You have poured into me.
In this, may Jesus Christ be honored, glorified, and receive all the praise.
Amen."
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