Ah, Valentine’s
Day! The day we show our loved ones how much we care about them. How
do we do that? Candy, flowers, a special dinner, a night out? Those
are all wonderful ways to express our appreciation. What about the
rest of the year? Just asking. Shouldn’t there be a little
Valentine’s Day each and every day of the year?
I received a
Valentine this week. For all intents and purposes, it appeared to be
a beautifully wrapped empty box. No candy, no sweet nothings, just an
empty box. I was more than a little puzzled until I read the attached
note.
Did
you look in the box and find it empty?
Was
nothing for you there?
Look
again. You must have missed it.
For
within I placed my prayer.
Little
birds called at the window,
The
sun peeked in there too.
As
I told the Lord I loved Him,
I
also spoke of you.
Sometimes
when I pray for you
A
tear will cross my cheek,
So
I pray for peace that passes understanding
To
be with you this week.
Other
times there is a special joy
That
with the Lord I share.
He
listens to all I have to say
Whether
it’s pleasure or despair.
Then
I leave my little quiet place
And
begin to start the day,
I’m
so thankful for his watchful hand
Guarding
me at work and play.
And
as surely as He’s here with me,
He’s
there with you as well,
‘Cause
I asked the Lord to bless you
Just
at the morning bell.
So
when you look inside again,
Please
see this box not bare.
And
count it as a priceless gift
‘Cause
I filled it up with prayer.
LuAnn Hudspeth (Used
with permission of the author.)
As I read this, it
touched my heart. What more could I ever want or desire than someone
who cares enough to bring my name before the Lord. She took the time
to pray for me! And I have been told that is how we spell love . . .
T I M E. Flowers will die, candy disappears, dinners will be eaten . .
. but the time we spend with someone will create lovely memories to
last a lifetime. So this Valentine’s Day treat your loved one to
something special, but make sure you have also given them your time.
And if you are ever
so lucky as to receive an empty box wrapped with beautiful ribbon,
know that you have received a priceless gift . . . one of love and
thought and prayer.
Just Writin’ on
the River Road