Beauty in Love

It was an interesting dynamic and pull to the heart when I realized that February 14th marked not only Valentine’s Day but also the beginning of Lent this year with Ash Wednesday. Indulgence over fasting. Hmmmmm. I think both of these experiences are about love. The love of self to seek a more meaningful journey with Christ which comes about in lessening the distractions. So fasting over a period of time and hopefully finding What to do? What to do? I mean what with chocolate being a popular go to choice for fasting, the love language of gift giving could take a hit amongst the Christian community!! I am going to guess that some may do an about face and might look at other fasting options fast. It’s not like there are not plenty of choices to choose maybe giving up coffee, alcohol, meat, gossip, social media.

My middle granddaughter has been planning for Valentines Day back in early January. Being a four year old, time is from own perspective…hers. The day after Christmas she said it must be close to her birthday. Nope. A little ways a way by many many months little one. Regardless she marks the calendar year by her standards of tradition. Her mom is a great one for introducing and having family traditions of yearly special occasions to be a big to do. Ergo, Valentine is next. LOL. But her exploring of love and hearts came in her painting and making cards and goign to Dollarama to find images and things to help her come to know Valentine. Bless her heart she made a card for those special people in her life. Each card a different looking heart face and then wrote their name on back. My heart soar. Love that girl.

But at the same time for some reason she has been very interested in Jesus. She wants to listen to music that talks about Jesus. Read stories of Jesus. And watch videos of and about Jesus. She is very particular. Pieces that I like are not her thing which is important for me to know. It is a very tender time in her life. My heart tears up in bursting with love for her in wanting to ask questions. LOL. She has a very literal take on whatever I say and adamant about certain things when it comes to Jesus and God. Patience is a virtue for me as my granddaughter looks at me with a “no you are wrong Rara.” Of course I am.

She brings the beauty of love to the fore as she explores Jesus love and the love expressed on Valentines Day. Bless your little heart. Her actions speak louder (although her voice can be quite firm too, thank you very much) as her soft and gentle demeanour with others and her wanting to make a craft for someone, especially her mommy and daddy. She knows love. And now she sings at the top of her lungs Jesus Loves Me, one phrase from Jesus Christ Superstar “Jesus Christ Superstar who in the world do they say you are? ” Her version. The seed of love has been planted. It is humbling to say the least.

The gift of having and giving love is not something I take for granted. For whatever reason the two days falling on the same day has struck a chord with me. It is like a fortuitous double shot of love in the air. The nourishing of the soul for self and for another. To have that in your life and be able to share in knowing there is a beauty in love. One that goes beyond words although words are very powerful. Actions evern more so. But it does not matter in the end if you just love one another as Jesus loves. Blessings.

Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers today and for those who seek the healing presence of love for them. Amen.

PS To you my granddaughter thank you so much for the beautiful card that you had made for me and for the words you shared with your mommy who wrote them down. You have made me feel crazy with love for you. Love Rara.