February MOPS Coordinator's Article

When you think of Valentine's Day, what comes to mind? Many people think about love, and spending time with the sweetheart in their life. Some people think of chocolates, flowers, dining out and taking time to let the person you adore know they're special. Still others may equate Valentine’s Day as a time to shower their children with extra love and kisses. Regardless, most of us use Valentine's Day to go that extra mile and show our love to the special people in our life. It’s that one special day every year when love is in the air and people just want to inhale it!

Well, spread your love a little further. This year, how about adding one additional special person to your list? Someone whose love for us never ceases. Someone who splurges on us daily by way of the many blessings He bestows. Jesus sends us valentines not only on February 14th, but everyday. His ultimate valentine was his own sacrifice for our sins. There is no greater love; it's a love that has produced priceless salvation to many. Our God is a god of grace, mercy, kindness, generosity and love; especially love.

Below is something I had heard a while back, which always blows my mind away when I really stop to think about it.

We give our loved one flowers; He gives us beautiful fields, mountains, oceans and tropical paradises.

We make special dinner reservations for our loved one; He is preparing a feast for us in Heaven.

We give our loved one our life in marriage; He gave us His Son Jesus Christ so that we could spend eternity with Him if we should choose Him.

The love that Jesus gives to us is so strong, yet so surreal and unfathomable that it is in our sinful human nature to glaze over it and not take notice. It’s easier to acknowledge that dozen red roses from our husband or that homemade valentine from our child than it is to remember that everything we are given in this world comes from our Savior because He loves us. He blesses us with gifts everyday, despite our greed and ungraciousness.

So this month, as you go about the days approaching Valentine’s Day, shower your spouse, children and other loved ones with hugs and kisses. Send cards and order flowers to your heart’s content. Take Proverbs 3:3 to heart, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you...write them on the tablet of your heart.” However, also remember the lover of your soul and don't forget to show your love toward Him.