I turned over a new leaf (card?) this year: I shopped for my wife’s Valentine’s Day card before the day before Valentine’s Day. Please hold your applause.

Amazing the variety available when one plans ahead just by 72 hours or so.

The heart section of Hallmark overflowed with loving and syrupy and inspirational feelings in words I would never use. Formalized, with proper grammar and Masters degree vocabulary. 

I tend to the pretty image with few words. That way I can add my own deep thoughts. Like, “Hey, I really love you.”

Simple and to the point.

The variety of ways people show love to people spans the spectrum from flowers to cards to puppies to taking out the trash.

The variety of ways God shows love to people spans the spectrum from every gift you’ve ever received to every dollar you’ve ever earned to every breath you’ve ever taken and every beat of the heart so in love with your spouse. And children. And grandchildren.

From sleet and freezing rain leaving trees encased in ice best photographed in sepia…

To the sacred starter’s ability that turns an idea into a ministry serving the single moms on your block…

To electricity that energizes lights and computers without you having to know how it does it…

To every aspect of your life. Both now and forever.

The variety of ways God shows love to people spans the spectrum. But it flows simply from Jesus. For Whom and through Whom all of our objects of love were created.

In Whom you and I find our eternal value. Our eternal destiny.

How do you know God loves you? Jesus. Simple and to the point.