Glitter and goggley eyes, glue and glitter. Red construction paper, pink crepe paper, scissors and markers – these are the tools of a young child making masterpieces at Valentines Day.
The giggles and the laughter come from the heart. “Mom, how do you spell Grama”? “What’s Dad’s favorite animal”? All the creativity and ingenuity of a 5- or 6-year-old is being harnessed and put on paper.
I think I still have a couple of these masterpieces stored away!
A child’s love – sweet, sincere, innocent – and the expression of it makes an indelible imprint on the parents’ heart and in their mind.
My mom was 97 when she passed and those last couple of years, she would relive my childhood with me when I went to visit. The heart doesn’t forget!
I pause and wonder, what memories am I making for my heavenly Father. How do I express my love for Him? What do I do that makes Him smile?
” Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” I John 3:1-3 CEV
The Father’s love is so great! How do we express our love for Him?
“When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, 36 and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.”
37 Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? 38 When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear 39 or visit you while you were sick or in jail?”
40 The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:35-40 CEV
When we show God’s love and compassion to those who are in need, the Father sees those acts as if we have done them for Him.
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:9-12 NLT
“Love as I have loved you”, Jesus said. Compassionate, encouraging, correcting, protecting, always teaching to exemplify the Father. That’s the love we are to have for one another.
So, maybe today you want to break out the glitter and the glue. Write words of love to the Father and place a card on the table…or, maybe you just want to lend a helping hand, give a word of encouragement, reach out to someone in need.
Give a Valentine that will make an indelible imprint on their heart!