For most years of my life, each February, I received a Valentine’s Day card from my dad. Even while my husband was giving them to me, my dad was too. When we first had our children, my husband and I began to give them to our children as well. It’s a tradition I continue still.
I share this memory with you because, despite it being a romantic love kind of day, I’ve learned to think of it as a special day to feel that we are loved. So, I find it meaningful that Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day this year.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It marks the beginning of Jesus’ time in the wilderness, facing hunger and loneliness and the temptations to abuse the power entrusted to him by God. It is a season where we remember the depth of love Jesus had and has for humankind.
While we can never fully grasp the vastness of his love for us, I suspect each of us catches enough glimpses to be reminded that it is a love greater than we can find anywhere else. It fills us with a capacity to love in amazing ways.
The other day, something delightful happened as I was standing in line at the Department of Licensing. The line was LONG, and I felt impatient. But there was a woman ahead of me who caught my attention. She held a baby who looked quite tired and overwhelmed.
The woman was bouncing her little girl, trying to keep her entertained. As she turned around at one point, another woman in front of me made a heart sign with her hands. I leaned over and asked if that was her daughter and granddaughter ahead of us in line. She said, “No, just someone who could use some love.”
It took her only a moment to offer a glimpse of love. That glimpse of kindness to another person made the whole room feel much nicer.
I believe that part of Jesus’ call on our lives is to offer glimpses of love to one another and to tell about the glimpses of love we experience ourselves. Some folks choose to give something up for Lent, which is a great discipline. Some add a special prayer time. You will know what is best for you, and I suggest that as a congregation we might also share in one together.
Why not use this season of Lent to offer a glimpse of love to at least one person each day? I wonder how much it might help us see more glimpses of Jesus.
Lenten blessings to you all,
Leigh
