Sunday February 14, 2016

Today marks the first Sunday in the Christian calender of Lent. Today is also Valentine's Day.  Both the Christian and secular calenders coincide today to speak of love.   

I can't say that this day is one which holds significance for me on both counts.  I did appreciate, once upon a time, Valentine's Day  -  in the middle of a drab winter, it certainly perked up the spirits. If I really have to reflect on why this Sunday in 2016 is significant to me it's probably because as Jesus started His fast, I believe, He took on 'human-ness', fasted in the desert so as to understand me better and to save me and as I go through the trials that life brings, I can know that with steadfastness, I will come out of each and every situation spiritually and emotionally stronger.  

Early this morning, I began thinking on this love day, and not having a love myself, I found I was becoming a bit uncomfortable since Valentine's Day really  "ain't no big ting" to me, yet I feel it should be.  But God works in mysterious ways to show me the love around me and so quiet my discomfort.  As I walked into church this morning, I was greeted by the ladies who sell the Catholic News, prayer books and the like with a chorus of  "Happy Valentine's", great big smiles on their faces.  One asked me in a whisper "do you have your asthma medication?"  Caring, loving.  Am standing in the supermarket after church and here a man comes to the cashier with a beautiful bouquet of red roses!  I'd noticed him previously poring over the bouquets.  Now looking at the man it would be hard to place him as a romantic.  He was rough-looking, muscular with thick, plaited hair, and a very serious face having a furrowed brow that made him look angry, wearing a singlet/vest, over a hairy chest.   Not the one I would have imagined buying flowers, yet here he was showing his heart by being ever-so-early to buy roses for his love on the day of love.  As a matter of fact, when he found out the cost, he headed back to buy a second bouquet, larger than the first!    Perhaps Mummy getting one too or 1 from him and 1 from the children.  I could imagine, eh?

Got a Whatsapp message, from a number I did not know and with a profile picture I did not recognize and the message was an invitation to a wedding.  I was just about to text back congratulations and inform that the message was sent to the wrong party when I decided to call a relative to ask if the name on the invitation sounded familiar.  Ah shame to say, it is another cousin's girl-child whom I have only met on one occasion.    What a nice thing for her to do on the day of love - to allow me to share in her love gesture, taking place in March.  It warmed my heart.  Thank God, I did not send my first response but had time to craft something better.  The man put a grin on my face and the flowers weren't even for me!

So while I am telling myself I am not into the Valentine's Day thing, I had to back-track a bit when I remembered that I took the time to gift my dear uncle and aunt with tokens for Valentine's Day since I do indeed love them dearly and also because their children are all abroad, so the hugs and kisses are not frequent.  It was really nice to know that my selection of tokens pleased them.  Again God rocking my heart in pleasant joy.

I am using Ephesians 4: 25-32* as my  love thoughts today and I hope you will  agree that these verses express the ways in which we should practise love.    

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]:Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

To me, love is the best thing in the world.  So in true Trini parlance, " dear friend, I wishing you, all kinda luv - fraternal, platonic, romantic and agape luv!  Happy Valentine's Day!  Happy 1st Sunday in Lent love!

Share the love!  Tell those around you, you care.  Share your story of love in the comments. 

Taken from: http://pngimg.com/img/objects/heart

*https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4