As 
a girl, I loved creating in the sand–building sand castles, scrawling words and sketching images with a stick. Then I watched as waves rolled up and washed my masterpieces away. I always knew it would happen, and most of the time, that was okay.
As I grew older, the same sort of thing took place in my heart. I looked for love, drawing a certain picture of what it should look like in my mind’s eye. Around Valentine’s Day, those snap shots included candy, roses and my hand being held by some cute guy. Because, well, that’s what was supposed to happen on February fourteenth, according to television and card companies. They conveyed the message that I was only validated if I had a “Valentine.” Of course, I never had a “Mr. Right” escorting me to some romantic restaurant for Valentine’s Day. “Pick me second, or third, or fourth” seemed to be written on my forehead.
It took a long time for the truths of God’s word to wipe that lie off of the sands of my heart. God’s love for us is permanent, written into the inner core of who we are with indelible ink. It can’t be stripped away by the waves that crash upon the shores of our lives. Though our love for Him sometimes drifts onto the beach and back out, He has loved us with an everlasting love.
Though I’m married to Mr. Amazing now, I still remember God’s love for me is steadfast, un-erasable by the messages I hear and see in this world. His love speaks words of life into my heart. My honey is my on-earth Valentine, and Jesus is my eternal Valentine. I am cherished by both. And Valentine’s Day doesn’t get any better than that.
Your Turn: What are your thoughts about Valentine’s Day? Do you have any special traditions that mark the day?
Jeanne Takenaka 
I can remember aching inside for someone to come along and think I was IT. For someone to quote Byron and hold my chair and ponder trips to Melanesia to dig WW2 relics. That’s what the world said it should have been. Oh, and with music.
Annnnnnnnnnd then I met John.
We have chairs . I have read Byron. I have a shovel. And an iPod.
This year’s dinner will be fresh seafood pasta.
Last year it was lobster.
Every year we decide before hand and enjoy our dinner alone, no kids.
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It sounds like your reality, like mine is much richer than what I could have dreamed of. I love your food selections for celebrating Valentine’s Day. I am so glad you have John to live out each day with. 🙂
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Jeanne, I did try commenting, but I didn’t like my first one and I erased it. When I tried again, it wouldn’t let me on. I don’t know what I did, I will try again tomorrow. Some blog follower I am……..
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It came up this time. 🙂 I’m not sure what the great secret is. We’ll figure it out together. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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Very nice Jeanne. Well said. We so often use the wrong measuring stick. The Bible’s definition of love is often quite different from the world’s. I too have been blessed to find a Godly man who loves me and am thankful for that everyday. ❤
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Melissa, thanks so much for stopping by! The wrong measuring stick–what a great way to describe it. You’re right, the Bible is the best measure of what love looks like. I’m glad you have a Mr. Wonderful too. 🙂
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I read your post earlier today — well, I started to and was interrupted. It’s been a day of interruptions. Came to it again at the end of the day — and what a nice way to end Tuesday.
I love your word picture and the reminder that God’s love for us is eternal.
Interestingly, I feel so close to God when I walk along the beach.
Will be doing that in 9 days.
Join me?
😉
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I’ll look forward to joining you. 🙂 And I’m so very grateful that God’s love is eternal.
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Thank you for the reminder Jeanne. It is when we let go of the expectations of the world/media and just embrace the everyday moments of commitment, of sacrifice, of humor, of joy and even trials that we really understand and appreciate true love; a love that endures. Happy Valentines Day to you and your “honey”. 🙂
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Jennifer, thanks so much for stopping by. You’re right, embracing everyday moments helps us appreciate true love. Love the way you put that. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours as well. 🙂
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You paint a beautiful picture of God’s love, Jeanne! I hated Valentine’s Day all through school because I never had a boyfriend to validate me.(Maybe it should be called “Validate’s Day…”) I finally found a boyfriend in college, and I was thrilled for our first Valentine’s Day. On the 14th, he was nowhere to be found! It turned out, he took off with a bunch of his buddies to go out of town for the day. Without mentioning it to me. He dragged in super late, apologizing for not telling me, and because I was so smitten (read:desperate) I totally forgave him. It wasn’t until later that I realized he wasn’t ever going to love me, and I was just a college “hobby.” It took some time for that to be erased! My next Valentine was my hubby, and as I shared on our blog, that did not work out well. After 18 years together, I totally get that February 14th is just a day, and I am so thankful to serve a God who validates me everyday. It’s pretty great to have an amazing husband who thinks I’m okay, too. Thank you for the reminder that my validation must come from God.
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Thanks for stopping by, Heidi! The need for validation runs deep in us, doesn’t it? You’re so right. When we seek it from the Lord we will know fulfillment. I’m so glad your man is perfect for you. Have a great day, my friend!
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