A Day of Love and...

Many of you will remember the 1939 movie classic, “The Wizard of Oz.”    Near the end of the movie,  there is a scene where Dorothy and company finally arrive at their goal of seeing the Wizard of Oz.   You may recall that the Tin man was in search of a heart.  As he encounters the mighty  Wizard, he discovers that a heart is to love and to be loved.     Today is a special  day for many people.  Flowers, candy, cards, special dinners, and the like will be shared on this day we call Valentine’s Day.  For those who are followers of Christ Jesus, today is a special day for another reason, and that reason is that today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent.   Lent is the season of preparation for Easter.  It lasts for 40 days as we remember the 40 days Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness. 

It is wonderful to love and to be loved.  It is a blessing to give and receive Valentine gifts with someone on this day.    I am sure that are some reading this who feel a veil of sadness over them knowing they do not have a sweetheart this Valentines Day for all sorts of reasons.   I am so grateful to share this Valentine’s Day with my wife, Ann, who is such a blessing to me. 

Yet, let us also remember that today is not only Valentines Day, but also  Ash Wednesday.  As we begin the journey toward the cross and the empty tomb, let us remember another love:  the love of God.  While human love might only last till “death we do part”,  God’s love is eternal and perfect.    Each of us as human beings sometimes take others for granted, and fail to love others in the way that God intends.  Yet, God’s love is perfect. 

As you live this day even if you do not feel very loved by those in your world,  find hope is the fact that God loves you.  Why, His love is out of this world.   Ash Wednesday is a reminder of that.     Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:    O God,  I give you thanks for your love that never lets us go.  During this season of Lent, help me not  only to remember your love, but help me to show it and share it with others;  through Christ our Lord.   Amen..