It is that time of year when a lot of cards are sold, chocolates purchased, and generally we scramble to spend money to prove our love and devotion.

Despite the consumer nature of Valentine’s Day, love is worth celebrating.

Love is worthy of our attention.

Love is splendid, complex, primal, and holy.

There are so many beautiful loves to celebrate.

There is romantic love, parental love, love through the eyes and hugs of children, loving friendships, neighborly love, love for self, love for enemies, love for God and love from God. This list is far from exhaustive.

Despite all the turmoil in the world, love prevails. Love is abundant. Love is celebrated.

I am thankful that love is diverse and complex. I am thankful that Jesus modeled love in various ways. He touched the filthy feet of his disciples and washed them clean. He touched lepers and made them whole. He was touched by the woman desperate to stop her hemorrhaging and healed her. He drew closer and closer to those whom others wouldn’t touch. He beckoned children to his side. He pleaded with his disciples to love their enemies and give to those who had nothing.

We are so fortunate to have a God who embodies love. I hope you experience a love in this season that enriches your soul.

Whether you are single, married, dating, widowed, heartbroken or divorced, I hope love is abundant in your life. Whether you are caring for a child, a friend, a lover, a neighbor, a grandparent, or an enemy, I hope Jesus’ love is evident in you.

I hope you receive or give a hug at just the right moment.

I hope that while you are speaking to someone, you feel valued and loved through attentive listening.

I hope that you write or receive a heartfelt note.

I hope you feel God’s love in new and invigorating ways.

May the living God shape you into someone who can love others deeply, operate out of the security of being loved by the savior of the world, and model the compassion of Jesus time and time again.