Millions around the world celebrate 14 February Valentine's Day. It's a day known for spoiling your romantic partner and going the extra mile for your loved ones.
Love
We all want it. We all believe we show it. You're here today because people loved you. You wouldn't have been able to survive as a foetus, at birth, make it through infancy and childhood, the times when you couldn't fend for yourself, unless someone met your needs. But do you have enough love in your life right now?
Whether you're single and lamenting the lack of Mr. or Miss Right, or married but feeling isolated from an emotionally distant spouse, we may feel disconnected, alone, unsupported.
We Christians know that God is the ultimate source of love. We know about Jesus sacrificing his life for our sins in order to bring us back into a full relationship with God, unhindered by sin's penalty: death. Some of us can cite John Chapter 15 verse 13 from memory:
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
But why don't we access this knowledge and actually use it?
Some Ideas
In honour of this year's Valentine's Day last week, I thought I'd quickly share a couple ideas that may help you access that knowledge:
1. Grab a sheet of paper and pen, find a quiet place, switch off your cell phone, computer and TV and spend an uninterrupted 20 minutes writing a love letter to God. You can begin however you feel.
If you feel stuck, think about the simple pleasures you enjoy today: a great meal, a good laugh with friends, seeing the waves on the ocean, the wind on your face, a drive through the country, hearing the birds or watching the hills, the feeling of grass under your bare feet, a sunset, curling up on the couch watching your favourite film or reading a book, cuddling your wife or husband, your wake-up stretch when you sleep-in on Saturdays, watching your kids smile, being hugged by a good friend, that post-workout euphoric feeling from the release of endorphins, a reinvigorating shower, the smell of your favourite fragrance, the satisfaction you get from completing a task well or accomplishing a goal you've had for a long time...Imagine now that these will pale in comparison to the unending, supreme pleasures of being in the presence of the Creator. Psalm Chapter 16, verse 11 says of God:
"You make known to methe path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflect on the indescribable ecstasy of being with Him at all times. The pure joy. He gives us the privilege to looking forward to and enjoying this experience. What love! Use that to stimulate your love letter. Or think about the last time you were in a tough spot and God was really there to comfort you and to surround you with the people and resources you needed.
When you've done your letter, fold it and carry it around with you for a week in your hand bag or wallet (just like you would a picture of someone you loved or a love letter you received). Read it every morning and evening or whenever your day feels really stressed or you are overwhelmed. Use that as starting point for a daily prayer of praise and thanks to God this week.
2. Decide that each day, you will do one loving thing for someone. It may be as simple as letting someone get ahead of you in traffic, bringing a coffee or brownie for someone at work or writing a heartfelt email of thanks showing someone you're grateful for them, beginning with: "I appreciate your_______" or "I admire your_______" and being specific.
Or devote an hour of your time to that ministry at church you've told yourself you're too busy for, or do something to bless that ministry financially.
Really take the time to see those around you daily who others overlook and show the love of God to them, as your act of love to Him.
Give these ideas a try. They just might work!
There's no better way to end an article on love than with an excerpt from my own "dear God" exercise:
"Dear God,
Thank you for loving me like no one else can. Thank you that you see me when no one else does. You are always with me, looking out for me and watching over me. You meet my needs, sometimes before I even realise I have them. You have brought incredible people, resources and opportunities to my life. No one and nothing can separate us and I am so glad. Make yourself my everything, in a way I have never allowed you to be before. Give me the ability to focus on you always.
I am so blessed. Thanks for forgiving me when I am ungrateful. I don't want to take another moment with you for granted.
I love you!"
Sharma Taylor is a corporate attorney with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Law from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. She is a "child of the Caribbean" but New Zealand will always be her second home because of the beautiful people she met there.
Sharma Taylor's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/sharma-taylor.html