It's All About Love

This week our hearts and our attention turn to the ones our souls love. The week is filled with Valentine exchanges, hearts, and romantic dinners. It's filled with affirmations of love and commitment.

I have to admit, though, that I generally feel a sense of self-imposed guilt during this particular week of the year. Because while my heart beats steadfastly for my husband and our boys, it doesn't exactly translate into action this week. Most of my waking moments are given over to final preparations for our annual 2-night Sweetheart Banquet this weekend. My focus and thoughts are on my to-do list. But even as my days are filled with pork butt, coconut, and sweet potatoes prepared more ways that I knew possible, my guys never complain. Daily they give me reminders of their unwavering support and love.

As my husband took my head in his hands at the close of last week, he reminded me that he would be here to do whatever necessary this week. He frees me to serve and use my gifts. He picks up the ball where I drop it. He enthusiastically spurs me on and roots for me! And I know he's praying for me everyday. While I feel that I'm not modeling my love for him the way I'd like to this week, he's going above and beyond in sacrificing and showing selfless love.

Many times during these weeks prior to the banquets, I have "George Banks" syndrome. Have you noticed that much of my life seems to relate back to "Father of the Bride?" :) I think of that scene the night prior to Annie's wedding when George is talking to his son, Matty, in the upstairs hallway. George says, "I'm sorry if I've been pre-occupied with this wedding." Matty says, "Yeah, you have, but I haven't felt ignored or anything. Don't worry, Dad, no permanent damage done." Sigh...that's me and the boys.

Yet again, I find that it's them ministering to my heart throughout these days. Each time I pray with them, one of them makes a conscious choice to pray for their mom and the week ahead. While I long to be the one giving to them and filling them up, I find that, for this week, it's my guys who are regularly holding me up and meeting my heart's needs.

And so, there will be a special Valentine's dinner...after Valentine's Day. But as we look ahead to our quiet family celebration next week (in the midst of our busy, festive celebration this week), I recognize that I'm able to joyfully give and serve because of Christ's lavish love which funnels down through my guys, right into my heart.