The three sugar-hungry boys tore open the small pink and red boxes and let the contents pour out in front of them. I watched the small candy hearts bounce and slide across the table. Each boy made short work of devouring the little pastel wafers. Before they would pop one in their mouths, each boy would call out the saying stamped on the front. “Kiss Me”, “Hug Me”, “E-mail Me”, “Text Me”.
“Here, Mom, you can have these,” Lucas said as he slid a group of hearts across the table to me. As I glanced down at them it was as if God, My Father, was right beside me speaking each stamped message aloud to me. “Miss You”, “I’m Yours”, Be Mine”, “Love You”.
The past few months have been a season of change, transition, and just plain busyness for me. Not only are my son’s sports schedules becoming more and more time consuming, but the added pressure of teaching upper level homeschooling subjects and a part-time job for me have made me feel as if I’m being pulled in all directions. Throw three very rambunctious, large motor boys into the mix, and, well, let’s just say that there isn’t much room for quiet in my house.
My quiet time with Him had been feeling hurried and compacted to just a few short minutes. When I did find the time to be still and quiet myself before Him, I was unfocused with what seemed like a bad case of A.D.D. I felt like I was giving everything and everyone else my all and giving Him my left-overs.
Who knew that four candy hearts staring up at me could speak right to me loud and clear. If God can use people and situations as divine appointments, why not four little candy wafers?
“Miss You” He whispered. “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.” (Zech 1:3)
“I’m Yours” He reminded me. “The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate.” (Ps 103:13)
“Be Mine” He said invitingly. “Listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
“Love You” He said clearly. “And may you have the power to understand how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Eph. 3:18-19).
I thank God that He knows me so well and intimately. He is patient with me. He knows my weaknesses and where I fall short. He knows my dreams and my desires. He has plans for me. I truly am His Valentine and He is mine.
