Valentines Day has become a source of consternation to me.

Why do I need a commercially contrived, random date on the calendar to guilt me into its’ observance?
Please forgive the cynic in me.

Isn’t a lifetime of love just that – a continual commitment to the ups and downs, the happies and the crappies, the worsts and betters? I stink at gift-giving badly enough as it is. I can never come to the right decision.

Maybe I shouldn’t be so jaded about the memory-joggers. Maybe there is value in having certain days set aside for special attention and remembrance. From holidays to Sundays, it is helpful to focus our attention on specific events or people. Easter and Christmas: definitely significant. Sunday: the day of the week set aside for the very health of our body and spirit. (realizing that in some faith traditions, it’s a different day of the week).

We get, on average, about 25,000. Days, that is. Most come and go with little if any acclaim. I simply submit that if a Valentine’s Day gets past someone in a loving relationship, that their life as they know it is not over. Christians, after all, are in the forgiveness way of living. Life IS short and time IS limited.

So focus on the art of being, what it is you desire your legacy to be. Monday through Saturday can also be days of holiness, service, or just re-charging. We can live confidently, knowing that a God who loves us unconditionally, will strengthen and keep us in His grace.

Pastor Art