“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.”

Valentine’s Day can be very fun and special. Some men don’t really look forward to it. Often, there is pressure to perform with purchases, reservations, and other tasks. I love giving cards and candy to my granddaughters (grandsons get some candy too). When my oldest son was about 6, his teacher had every student (actually, their parents) bring a card for each student in the class. That’s so much better than when I was little, and you only gave cards to the students you liked. It was painful. I still remember Bonnie’s mom, who had the compassion to have her bring everyone a card. I was in 3rd grade, and Bonnie became my girlfriend that year… she just never knew it. My heart breaks for the girls who long for a Valentine’s card or candy but never receive one. Having spent decades working with teens, I know there are too many who go through that sadness. They were pretty good at covering their pain, aren’t we all trained to do that? My life has been spent reminding others that the greatest Valentine, the most powerful “I love you” ever given, was delivered over 2,000 years ago. That one is as powerful and heart-touching as there ever was. At 33 years old, our Savior stretched out His arms to say, “I love you this much.” And then He breathed His last and gave the gift of His life to rescue ours. This Valentine’s Day, and every day, you are deeply loved. Today, receive it. #BeTheEdge

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬