Who Is Your Valentine?

By Kitty Hinkle

“and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:27 (NIV)

Did you find yourself longing for that husband on Valentine’s Day? Longing to feel presented like a radiant church, blameless and holy?

This is a day that many of us without spouses might dread, I want to share with you a moment when I did feel that way, not to remind you of what you don’t have, but to remind you of what you do have.

Presented as a radiant church. It’s how I felt by the end of that evening. It was an elegant setting in someone’s home with everyone dressed so pretty and just the right lighting and music.

But somehow, into the evening, I felt unsure of myself. It wasn’t the guests. They were as friendly as usual. It was my mood and I was hoping no one would notice, so I did my best to blend in.

I didn’t have to try that hard. Most everyone was preoccupied by someone who captured all the attention at the party.

I stepped closer to see who it was but I couldn’t see around the crowd. This person was so popular that the guests pulled couches and chairs close around him so they could lean in and hear.

His voice, soft and elegant, had a gentle authority, which had them hanging onto every word, but I couldn’t hear him.

I stretched up on my toes to peer over the crowd to no avail. I tried to find and opening in the crowd. None.

It was like I feel a lot of times without a husband—different, apart from the crowd, left out of the fun.

I settled into a chair in the far corner and just tried to grab some of the man’s words.

But the crowd kept me from hearing. Eager people chimed in with opinions. I saw was their excitement, but still couldn’t hear what the man had to say.

I gave up and sat back in my chair feeling alone.  Do you ever feel that way?  Do you feel it on Valentines Day when everyone seems to have someone?

But guess what?

As if the speaker read my thoughts—noticed someone left out, he stopped talking and lifted his head in my direction. The crowd dutifully pulled apart an opening so he could see me. All eyes were on me.

I sat up, not sure what to expect.

His eyes locked with mine in a penetrating, loving, and inviting gaze that said, I know you!

A rush of sound passed over my ears. My heart fluttered. I stopped breathing for a moment that gave me a “love-at-first-sight” heart leap.

I knew exactly Who He was. His warmth overwhelmed and woke me from my dream.  Was it a dream or was it He speaking to me?

I sat up in the morning light, thinking about His eyes.  I couldn’t shake the penetrating gaze. It stays with me, everyday. It’s what thrills me and drives me. Never leaves me.

It’s true love.

Dear Lord,

When we talk about true love, help us all to know Who invented it.  Who loved us so much that He died for us.  Who washes us and makes us radiant and holy.  Who takes our breath away.  Give us those butterflies and make us feel who we are in You—captivating.