Yesterday I shared with my friends at Main Street that this line from the Tina Turner hit song has been banging around in my head since November 2010. I am relieved to finally get to share some of my thoughts about the impact of God’s love on our present reality. Perhaps once February 2011 is past, Tina will leave me alone (forever?!)
Yes, this is the month where we are instructed by a myriad of commercial interests to remember to love someone. Since we live in an uncertain world, we are also instructed to hope that we are loved in return. Sadly every Valentine’s Day disappoints many.
I find it exceptionally odd that the only one whose reputation is founded on promises to love in all circumstances is probably also the most maligned by “disappointed” people. It is simply not enough to be created unique amongst the billions and yet more durable than a snowflake. It is simply not enough to have at hand resources to sustain life and yet the ability to experience pleasure. It is simply not enough to be mobile and yet retain in memory where we have been. It is simply not enough to communicate our thoughts, and yet consider an alternate perspective. It is simply not enough to wonder or wander, and yet be convinced of common certainties. It is simply not enough to be guilty, and yet know that we are truly and freely forgiven.
No, we expect all these things and a diamond pendant or an 80 inch flat screen television and a nice card, of course.
“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
(Ephesians 3:14–19, NLT)
TheNarrowRoadPursued 
As you so aptly presented, Love has everything to do with it. A friend who is going through a very dark trial recently said to me, “It’s amazing-the worse my circumstance gets, the more I experience of the love of God. It is such a wonder that He, the awesome and mighty Creator of all that is notices my insignificant trials and comes personally to let me know, He loves me.”
Thank you for the “valentine”, your thoughts are a blessing to His people.