My Valentine

Today I did something different. I took a Valentine to a perfect stranger. He was 96 years old. His wife had died 10 years ago, his daughter at the age of 16 years. It was one of those spontaneous gestures that came across my mind while I stood in the card aisle trying to find just the perfect fit for each one of my six children. Cards are extremely personal to me. I could never just grab one; no they have to say “just the right words” to represent the person on my heart. And He was on my heart.

I thought of Jesus and wondered who He would send a card to if given the opportunity. I assume all of us but in particular, someone who didn’t have a Valentine. I can’t say I felt comfortable at first, giving a Valentine to a man I didn’t know. But for whatever reason, I stood before an older gentleman who had lived life and had all the scars and wisdom to prove it. I told him of my divorce; my love of God; my precious six children; and my desire to impact the Kingdom of God. We laughed about chocolate candy and he wished for a Nehi Orange Soda. He and his wife had been married 63 years. He hoped there was marriage in heaven.

I included a heart-shaped red sucker but he wasn’t supposed to have sugar. He ate it anyway. And when it was time for me to leave, he told me it had been 10 years since he had received a Valentine. I accepted a kiss on the cheek and will forever remember turning back to see him still waving as I walked down the hall.

The aisles of Target were full tonight with last-minute Valentine shoppers. The cards were in such a disarray it was difficult to find the appropriate envelope that fit. The chocolate valentine boxes, once organized and neatly stacked, were scattered on various shelves. So many people – so many gifts.

Today I want to challenge you to buy an extra Valentine for a perfect stranger. It could be someone on the street, in a restaurant, in the hospital or nursing home, in your school, or in Wal-Mart.

I feel certain that is exactly what Jesus would do. Happy Valentine’s Day.