Valentine’s Day can cause quite strong reactions in people in the community. Some embrace it wholeheartedly, while others despise the references to love and affection, cupids and red love hearts plastered everywhere.

For me it is a somewhat bittersweet day now as February 14th was a day my dad and I would ensure we used words and sometimes a small gift to honour our affection for each other. It was a thing we did long before the retailers in Australia turned it into a celebration of all things mushy and romantic, often bordering on being a little tacky.

Since I was 16 years old I could expect a card or a note, and in latter years an email or text from my dad telling me how much he loved me and was proud of me for the woman I had become. I would reciprocate with words of affirmation and encouragement for his role in my life and Godly example.

This year will be my twelfth Valentine’s Day without my Dad, and even though my husband and children ensure I know I am loved, the day will hold moments of sweet sorrow as I fondly remember words and actions of days past but also the many missed opportunities to reassure my dad of his worth to me. It reminds me to not hold back in expressing appreciation for people in my life because none of us know how long we may have together.

It amazes me immensely when I think of how much I love and care for those important to me in my life and then remember just how much God loves me, which is infinitely more.

The bible tells me in Matthew 10:30 that God loves me so much He knows how many hairs are on my head! (For some that is way easier to count than others!!) In Psalm 139:3 & 13 it tells me that God knew me before I was born and He watches over me when I sleep. The creator of the universe cares about me to a degree that I have not found in anyone on this earth – that’s a love worth celebrating.

Whether you embrace the celebration of Valentine’s Day or not, maybe this year you can consider re-focussing this day of love to remembering the great love that Father God has for you.

You are, after all, His Valentine.

Be blessed.