Love’s Ways

“If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Various accounts and traditions surround the man known as Saint Valentine. It is said he ministered to Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. Unlike the tragic plight of someone who would fit the description found in the verse above, he would’ve loved the people he served and in fact was martyred at the hands of the Romans for his ministry!

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast…

It is recorded that St. Valentine was buried on February 14. The Feast of St. Valentine was established in the 8th century, but the day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries. 

… it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way…

Valentine’s Day, like other holidays, has an exhaustive history of legends, folklore, celebrations, practices, and the like. And, as all the other holidays, Valentine is now a huge commercial day. Reading about the changes through the centuries wearied me, but a real fact always emerged. True love, God’s love, never changes!

… it is not irritable or resentful…

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? My first remembrance of recognizing the day as anything special came in elementary school when we exchanged those small thin cards with everyone in the class. I think I recall carrying all those cards to school in a small white sack decorated with a red heart or two, and bringing home all the cards I received in that same little bag. We just loved everybody I guess. Then there were those hand made notes that circulated throughout the school year. You know, the ones that concluded with check “yes” or “no”! Pam and I still do cards, but in a much different way. 

…it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭6‬

Cards were mainly hand made until the 19th century. In 1847, here in the U. S., a lady by the name of Esther Howland had a new idea, mass produce cards and sell them. And why not, her dad owned a book and stationery store. I suppose it worked out since today almost 200 million cards are sent/given in the U. S., and that’s not counting all those associated with schools and school kids. And what about all those e-cards! We are now bucking the trend and tradition because we have reverted to making our own. The grands all make cards and nothing is quite so special as the love that jumps off those pages. I like the fact that they draw me as a tall slender stick person!

This is one of those “commercial” cards we shared before going hand-made. We both believe the thoughts the writer shared on the front are well said and express our feelings. Individually we must’ve been impressed with it each time we saw it in the card shop, because through the years, not remembering, we’ve purchased the same card several times!

“How long do I promise to love you?
How long do I promise to hold you?
When it comes to sharing life with you,
how long do I need?
Forever is long enough.”
~Butch Richardson- (from the song, “Forever Is long Enough”)

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV

However you choose to spend your February 14th, have a lovely day!

Linking with:
 Pieced Pastimes,  Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
 Life and Linda