Our New Twist on a Tradition Called Valentine's Day

For those of you that know me, you know that Valentine's Day is one of my least liked holidays.  It is the day we buried my mom.  While everyone else is doing special things for their spouses and children, in this house we act like it doesn't exist.  I would prefer to sleep through the holiday all together if I could.  However, this year God gave me a new view of the holiday.  Yesterday afternoon, a thought entered my head saying, "Heather, you could celebrate the love I have for you."  Huh, I know that came directly from God.  So it immediately got my attention and I began to think on it a little more and dove into the Word of God.  Results:  I came up with a 7 night family journey about how much God love's us.

So the journey goes something like this:

Monday: God Is Love (1 John 4:8)
Tuesday: Love Comes from God (1 John 4:7; John 3:16)
Wednesday: The Love of God is Inclusive (1 John 4:10; Romans 5:8)
Thursday: The Love of God is Unconditional (John 15:13)
Friday: The Love of God is Sacrificial (1 John 4:9)
Saturday: The Love of God is Empowering (Romans 5:5; 1 John 3:1)
Sunday: Nothing Can Separate Us From the Love of God (Romans 8:37-39; Isaiah 54:10)
Monday (Valentine's Day): God's Love Empowers Us to Love Others (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-10; 1 John 4:11-12)  Followed by a special Valentine's treat!

Then we sing "Jesus Loves Me."  Which all our children know and love.

Last night we talked about what we thought love was, did our Bible reading and then sang.  It was so cute to hear Coker sing his version of Jesus Loves Me.  For those that know him, you know he doesn't talk much so it was a vocal noise to the tune!  He made us sing it about 6 times before we could end our devotion.

So all this to say, although this holiday has for years represented a sad time in my life, God can instantly turn it around for His glory.  I have to admit for the first time (in a long time) I am at peace with Valentine's Day. I am excited about us talking and teaching our kids about God's amazing love.  God just turned this holiday into one I will enjoy for years to come with my family. Focusing on HIM makes a complete difference!

Dear God,  thank you for whispering to me in my time of need and changing my heart from sorrow to joy. Amen.