What would February be without Valentine’s Day. Yes, I know that it was last week, but I was very sick and didn’t really get a chance to appreciate the day. So, I thought that I would write about love this week. 

I am very fortunate to be married to a man who loves celebrations like birthdays, holidays, and Valentine’s Day. This year, in addition to some beautiful gifts, thoughtfully picked out, Rich gave me a handsome red Vermont Teddy Bear. He brought the bear to me as I lay coughing and wheezing and put it beside me in bed to keep me company and keep me safe.  

This illness made me quite aware of how dependent we are on one another. This is not a matter of obligation, but of love. It’s as close as I can get to understanding God’s unconditional love for each of us. Because God loves us, He wants to care for us; He wants to cure us; and He wants us to enjoy eternal life with Him.  

Sin puts up a wall between us, just as acts of anger or neglect can be created in our human relationships. However, the unconditional love of God is continually knocking down those walls and giving us the opportunity to ask for forgiveness. That doesn’t always happen in human relationships, but when it does, the love of God shines through and strengthens the connection. 

So the red bear is still sitting on my bed, and I am feeling better. Actually, I feel wonderful. Not only am I cherished and loved by the most powerful, awesome entity that exists-God, but by a simple human man who also accepts and loves me just as I am. Thank you, God!  

By the way, that most powerful, awesome God loves you, too.  

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; 

and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 

Terri