Yep, the big day is tomorrow. Boy howdy, it can be a day of joy and fond memories; it can be a day of sadness and loneliness that knows no bounds. It can be a day of generosity and grace; it can be a day of resentment and bitterness. Who knew a day of hearts and flowers could be so complicated?!
This last month (really, since around Thanksgiving) has been tough on me physically. I’ve had to resign from most of my obligations because my health makes my schedule so unpredictable. I’ve been spending more time in bed again, and less time up and about. Currently I’m on voice rest much of the time; feeling lonely is easy to sink into; self-pity is a constant temptation. I’ve been spending some concentrated time in the Word, and just talking and listening to God (He can still hear me even on voice rest!)
I was thinking about love, and listening to the quiet “voice of God” in my spirit (no, I don’t hear audible voices), and this passage came to mind. . .
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us. . . ” (Ephesians 1:3-8a ESV)
God chose me because He wanted to. . .
In love He predestined me to adoption. . .
He lavished His grace on me and forgave all my sins . . .
That’s an incredible, indescribable gift, and it’s not just once a year, but it’s always and all the time. Whether I’m on voice rest, or able to speak and teach; whether I’m in bed or able to be up and about and doing housework and cooking meals and serving guests. . .
I guess that indescribably wonderful, lavish love is what Mary of Bethany was experiencing when she chose sitting at the feet of Jesus, rather than being “distracted by much serving” like her sister Martha (see Luke 10)
As I think about it, being on voice rest and in bed more makes it a little easier to sit at my Savior’s feet and listen to what He says, without all the distractions. . .
He really has blessed me with every spiritual blessing in Jesus Christ.
That’s the best Valentine’s Day gift anyone could ever have. . .it’s even better than chocolate!
Enjoy God; Love Him; depend on Him; let Him love you. Have a blessed day.
Plea for Grace 