Valentine Love

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement
Valentine Love

My first memory of Valentine’s Day celebrations is of my elementary schoolroom and a decorated box of valentines to pass out to giggling classmates. A recent sight at the other end of the age spectrum made a strong statement of the value of love regardless of age.

The gray-headed couple walked slowly. Each carefully placing their canes with every step. The stooped lady held her cane in her right hand, and the shuffling man held a cane in his left. In between them, the pair held hands. Every few steps, they took their eyes off their path to pause and check on how the other was getting along, smiling as they adjusted their pace to match each other’s. Onlookers also smiled at the sight of love that had survived many years which likely contained a smattering of the assorted trials life throws at people. Young love bursting with the thrill of someone to love them is wonderful. But enduring love that stands beside one another through the vicissitudes of life and the waning of bodily strength, touches a deep chord of respect and warms the heart.

From giggling youth to wrinkled old age, love makes life worth-while. Whether or not a person finds a life-long partner, Jesus is always available to each one of us to supply an endless fount of love to meet our needs as well as enable us to pass it on to others in need. Everyone can use the years God gives us on this earth to demonstrate the love of God to those around us. A kind word, a smile, a note, a welcoming wave can touch inner-most needs in others we aren’t even aware exists. God, help us experience your love in such an abundance we can pass that love on to others all the days of our lives. Help us bask in your love until we radiate it so strongly that others want it for themselves.