 On February 10, 2013 a Huffington Post news story reported about Sue Johnston, then age 68, from Houston, Texas. She told of how her sweet husband, John, and she were married for 46 years. Each Valentine’s Day he would send her the most beautiful flowers containing a note with five simple words: “My love for you grows.” Four children, 46 bouquets, and a lifetime of love were his legacy to her when he passed away in 2011.
On Sue’s first Valentine’s Day alone, 10 months after she lost him, she was shocked to receive a gorgeous bouquet addressed to her…from John. She felt angry and heartbroken, and she called the florist to say there had been a mistake. The florist replied, “No, ma’am, it’s not a mistake. Before he passed away, your husband prepaid for many years and asked us to guarantee that you’d continue getting bouquets every Valentine’s Day.” With her heart in her throat, she hung up the phone and read the attached card. It said, “My love for you is eternal.” That’s a deeply moving story, but John Johnston isn’t the only one whose love became eternal after he died. The Apostle Paul shares with us about Jesus’ love for us when he writes, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We were God’s enemies, but then Jesus’ death brought us reconciliation with God. The broken relationship is healed. Death’s sting is no more (1 Corinthians 15:54-55). We can live eternally with God starting right now because of the death of Jesus. Valentine’s Day is a time when people traditionally think of others they love, and they send candy or a card or flowers. When God thought about how much he loves you, He sent you His Son. I love that! Working together to win together through love, Tyler |