A Valentine’s Day Reflection
I have always loved Valentine’s Day. When my children were small, I’d decorate the house and serve heart-shaped waffles with strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast. I’d join their classes for the Valentine’s party and we’d celebrate again at dinner. My children are older now, and I am an empty-nester who is often alone at home all day. The all-day Valentine’s Day parties of yesterday are a distant memory…
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Those who are experiencing the isolation of health issues often feel alone on special holidays. If this describes you, I want to remind you that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. When you receive Jesus as Savior, you become part of the body of Christ forever. You belong! You are not as alone as you may sometimes feel.
The Bible reminds us that the body has many parts. Do you sometimes wish you could operate in the body of Christ as a “hand,” performing tasks that help others? Do you wish you could be a “foot” and run to the aid of those in need? I have often prayed, during bed-bound days, that I could be a more physically active part of the body of Christ. If you suffer from health issues, you have likely felt the same way. But what if God has called us to a specialized role within the body?
God has encouraged me with this thought—perhaps He allows some of us to perform the role of a heart. You see, a real heart does not look like the pretty Valentine’s Day hearts in the above photo. Up close, an actual heart looks messy, and some people might not want to get too close to it.
When we compare our struggles with the “polished” photos people post on social media, we can start to feel like an actual heart in a world full of Valentine’s hearts! We may even begin to see ourselves as broken people with nothing to offer....
Friend, if this describes you, let me offer you a different perspective. A cardiologist looks at a heart and marvels at the miraculous way it is formed. A cardiologist is a specialist who knows that every “messy” vessel has a life-giving purpose.
If you look closely at me with unschooled eyes, you may only notice my surgical scars, disability, and cancer. But look again through a specialist’s well-trained eyes of faith. Every trauma and pain has become a vessel through which I can testify to God’s great power and hope. God excels in redeeming our suffering!
Have you ever felt hidden away? I have spent many of the past years mostly homebound, feeling hidden away by my health issues. A heart is also hidden, but not because it is less worthy! A heart is sheltered within the body to protect it, so it can continue to do the work of bringing life-giving oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body. A heart is specifically placed where it will more effectively do its job.
The role that God has given me right now is to encourage others with God’s Word—and not give up. Being mostly homebound has given me the opportunity to nurture my faith by studying and writing about God’s Word. Over the past two decades, I wrote my devotional Incurable Faith: 120 Devotions of Lasting Hope for Lingering Health Issues to strengthen and encourage others who suffer from medical challenges. Do not despair if you are homebound or your activities are limited. God uses even the most difficult circumstances to clarify our purpose and calling!
A heartbeat lasts a moment and is seemingly inconsequential, but it brings life to the rest of the body. You can bring life to the rest of the body of Christ by persevering in your role, no matter how small it may seem or how weak you may feel. (Read this reflection on how even weary warriors have a job to do!) Speak encouragement. Pray for people. Forgive them. Excel in the grace of giving to others. Make the most of every opportunity to tell people about Jesus. Beloved, you are an essential part of the body of Christ, and we need you. Just in case no one has told you recently: You are dearly loved.
