St Valentine's Day

"Happy Valentine's Day!!!" The hustle and bustle of a Sunday morning began with my three young children singing to us, laden with bowls of milk-soggy Bran Flakes. "I love you, Mummy," said my daughter as she handed mine to me. "Want a kiss!" said my littlest son, with a cheerio stuck to his cheek, his arms outstretched. "We made you breakfast. Hope you like it," said my eldest.

Dave and I turned to each other, going in for a kiss and then remembering the plague of morning breath. No snogs this morning - just a little married "peck"!!! We gave cards and gifts to each other, smiled, snuggled and then Dave dutifully made his way down stairs to inspect the result of the breakfast-making process.

I lay in bed, watching my new Cosby Show DVD - clever husband - watching the Huxtable Family "doing life" together. As I watched Cliff, the father, calling out to his kids and telling them off for mess, noise and arguing, I heard it echoed in my own house by my husband and children. "He pushed me!!!" "I did not!!" "Yes you did!!"

On the way to church this morning, we prayed for the Mackay Family. Karena, "a magnificant wife and exceptional mum" died on Friday night. After a year of battling with cancer, she has now gone to be with her Saviour in Heaven, leaving behind a devoted husband and three lovely children. When we prayed this morning, we asked God to bless them and rest on them, on this, the first Valentines Day without Karena.

At church, Mark preached on God's healing power. I couldn't help but think of Karena and wonder why God had not healed her. I thought of my beautiful friend, who has just been diagnosed with cancer. Dave and I prayed earnesly for her healing, sensing that God had heard and would answer.

I observed new couples holding hands, spoke to long-married couples planning a weekend away, saw my gorgeous single friend shine with kindness and peace, and I watched as my nine-year-old madly-in-love son open a card and gift from his "girlfriend", after handing the same to her.

Valentines Day is a funny old day. For some it brings utmost joy, for others, deep sadness as they are reminded that they do not have a "Valentine", or that they are not someone else's. It produces tremendous revenue for card and flower sellers. I could go on about the whole "commercialism thing", but to be honest, I LOVE red roses, chocolates, balloons, presents and surprises. I am a total sucker for it. As I write, my husband is cooking our Valentine's Day Dinner which we will eat whilst watching a chick flick...bless his patience!!! But what I love even more, are the unplanned moments that Dave and I share. I love laughing with him and our kids. I love those unexpected cuddles that my kids give me. I love the little pictures, cards and noted that the kids leave around for us.

I love my friends and the funny stories they tell me. I love it when my friends let me into their world, with all its twists and turns. I love their vunerability and honesty. I love the opportunity to listen, serve and love.

Every day should be Valentine's Day. I read a bit about St Valentine. The truth is, "he" is actually "them" - a group of martyrs who are celebrated on the same day. One of them is said to have been martyred for conducting marriage ceremonies, another martyred for attempting to share the love of God with an Emperor. So, basically, sharing love was "St Valentine's" crime.

It sounds pretty "hippy", but sharing love is what Valentine's Day is all about. There is much we can do to share love - words, actions, gifts, letters, hugs, kisses and giving our time, but for me, it's the kind of love shown that is important. Love should be unconditional - no matter what I look like, or what I say or do. It should be faithful - unchanging, unrelenting and everlasting. I want a love that is loyal - not half-hearted or unreliable, and a love that is real - honest, open, facing difficulties as well as times of fun, laughter and peace.

I have only ever found one love like this - the love of God. He's waiting. He already loving you, he just needs you to ask. Will this be the best Valentine's Day yet? It's up to you, really. xxx