On the day before Valentine’s Day, our thoughts are turning to special ways we can express love to our treasured family and friends.  This year, wanting to express that love in a unique way, Valentine’s cards that I’d made of red and white construction paper hearts were sent off to our five Grands, wondering why I’ve never thought to make cards for them before…  In saying “I love you” to those dear to us, we share our heart with them. And that reminds me of how much our God loves each and every one of us as He expresses love to us in so many ways - if we’re paying attention. Otherwise, we might miss even the simplest of blessings all around us, seeing His handiwork in nature, His generous caring expressed just when we need it the most in just the right way… and, of course, His greatest gift of love when our dear Lord and Savior died on that cross to pay the penalty of sin for each of us… Love is a many splendored gift in so many ways.  God bless you today and always! 

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I love it when my husband wraps his arms around me.  Being a foot shorter and about one-third the size of my 6’ 7” big guy, when those strong arms envelope me, I feel loved, protected, and sheltered… But there’s so much more to his love than those big bear hugs! 

It was his great sense of humor that attracted my attention in the first place.  His love also encompassed special looks from his only viable eye – his silent way of speaking volumes.  Now that he can no longer see, I miss the twinkle and winks, the loving gaze, and the many changes in visual tone that I took for granted all those years ago.  But his love also embodies a physical and emotional strength that I don’t have.  And, his love includes advice from an innate wisdom that I also don’t have… and, unfortunately, have not always heeded when I should have… only to realize later on how right he was. 

In Ed’s love, I also see a kindness, a generosity, and a forgiveness with grace and mercy… all of which remind me of my Savior’s love.  For the love the Lord showers upon us… we who don’t meet His perfect Ten Commandment standards… is powerful.  His wisdom is beyond my full comprehension... and His ways are greater than mine.  “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.”  (Isaiah 55:8 NIV)

Like my husband, the Lord gives me a strength to persevere in whatever trial I face which helps to see me through… as He gently holds and guides me, even though I may fret and complain about the difficulty… until I realize the wisdom He’s imparting could not have been gained except on that rocky path.  Like I’ve read - “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)

Followed later by:  “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:13-18)

Then, as I consider how Jesus gave His perfect life for me… for each of us… as He draws us to His side... as He forgives our stupidest mistakes, and our worst sins upon our confession, and loves us despite our myriad faults… I am utterly overwhelmed.  To feel the peace that our Lord gives amidst our most difficult struggles is reminiscent of my husband’s arms wrapped around me… for it’s as we understand the love which we share with another, especially as husband and wife, that we begin to comprehend how great God’s love is for each of us. 

Your Love

Linda A. Roorda 

Your love is like the moon’s brilliant glow

Like the sun’s glory to brighten the gloom

Like pillars grand is the strength within

As ever gently you carry my heart.

Your love is like a bird in flight

Soaring to heights above the fray

Floating freely upon the breeze

Seeing clearly through wisdom’s sharp gaze.

Your love is like warm rays of the sun

That awaken the dawn to welcome my day

Cheering my soul to bask in the truth

From the Lord’s love, the light of the world.

Your love is like a pillar of strength

That holds me up as storms rage about

To comfort my soul when fear envelopes

So I may know great strength from within.

Your love is like a breath of fresh air

That clears the haze which clogs my view

So I may see the depth of your heart

With calming peace as we become one.

Your love is like a rainbow’s hues

After the rain and trials of life

A promise made with showers of blessings

And simple joys to brighten my day.

Your love is like arms holding me close

Enfolding me in the depths of your heart

Strength they exude with tenderness mild

Tucked in your embrace with comforting peace.

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