From time to time I see negative comments about Valentine's Day on social media.  I think I grasp why someone might feel that way having suffered myself through a Valentine's Day or two when popularity (worth) was measured by the number of valentines received from classmates. 

But that was a long time ago when we were all children and hadn't yet learned to go out of our way to be inclusive.  As maturity has set in we have learned to appreciate the concept of love and celebrate it with enthusiasm whether or not we are currently participant in the exchange of flowers and chocolate.

With fondness we remember the times it was our doorbell ringing to announce the arrival of the latest expression of adoration. Our hearts still thrill to the memory of the card in the mail and the sweet nothings written inside.

A pair of middle schoolers feeling the first sweet brush of puppy love on their heartstrings, or a wrinkled and bowed couple standing in matching walkers at the altar reaffirming sacred marriage vows taken seventy years earlier...both illustrate this marvelous gift of love God has given us.

Accept the pure love God has for each of us. And celebrate the love for each other He has allowed us to experience.

May your life be filled with genuine love this Valentine's Day!

Pastor Richard Orrell