“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make melody.  Awake, my soul!  Psalm 108:1

“Joyfully give thanks to the Father who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”  Colossians 1:11-12  

Hearts and flowers … wine and roses … Today we celebrate love!  I read that in 2021 more than $21 billion was spent to demonstrate love.  It is estimated a couple billion more will be spent in 2022.  Inflation will make it cost a bit more to show our love.  Another problem … I heard there is a shortage of flowers.  In a week the heart-shaped boxes will be empty; roses will begin to wilt.  Human beings experience our own shortage.  We promised “for better or worse” but too often dwell on “the worse”.  I roll my eyes, and see my spouse shake his head.  Human love can be impatient and frustrated, in short supply.  Steadfast hearts, and feeling joyful and grateful for those we love are meant for everyday.     

If Jesus was “made flesh and dwelling among us” today I don’t believe he would show his love with chocolates and flowers.  He might give a few of those little candy hearts that say “I M Yours”, “B Mine”, “4 ever”.  He would not pass out valentines to just the most popular but would drop one into everyone’s box.  His refrigerator would be planet-size to fit all the pictures of his children.   His wallet would be fat, not with money, but with photos of his beloved.  There will never be a shortage of that love … a shelf that will never be empty.  He would die for us all over again.  

Loving God, You commanded us to love one another, as you have loved us, to love you with all our heart and soul and strength and our neighbors as ourselves.  We ask your Holy Spirit to give us steadfast hearts in our love for you, our families, neighbors, to the ends of the earth.  Amen  

Verla Olson