Discover: A Box of Valentines
What’s the last thing a pastor would expect from his congregation upon his return from a trip out east? Oh I suppose there are a lot of things! He certainly would not expect a "Welcome Home Party" ( he was only gone 3 days, although one of those did include a Sunday!) How about violinists serenading as he enters the door?? (nah… trumpets maybe, but violins?) or perhaps new bookcases to house the myriad of books stacked on the floor in the basement? (Now that may have been nice, but certainly not expected!) But what this pastor did find awaiting him on his dresser was a shoe size box, covered with paper hearts and flowers, filled with Valentines from his congregation.
Where did this Valentine Holiday begin? I recall a story about the Roman Emperor Claudius II who imposed a ban on marriages because he was loosing too many young men to marriage, as only single men had to serve in the military. Valentinus, a priest, was caught performing marriages and received the death sentence for doing so. While he was awaiting his execution, young women, fainting out of love for the young priest who taught "love is better than war", visited him and sent him love notes affirming his position…thus the first "valentines" were executed, just before Valentine’s own execution on February 15th, 269 BC.
There are numerous other stories surrounding Valentine’s Day, but we’re adding one of our own this year… when a women in the congregation, hearing of the war weariness of her Pastor, thought of a way to encourage and lighten his load…thus "Bearing one another’s burdens."
This delightful lady hand made dozens of cards so the members of the congregation could take the one they chose and write a personal message on it.
Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint" …followed by a personal note praying for a safe return.
"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living Psalm 26:13 and inside, a note stating this verse is one of her husband’s favorite verses… adding the fact that her Pastor is "part of the goodness" the Lord has blessed us with.
One of the 12 year old boys chose "Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth" and his personal note: Thank you for preaching to us.
This from the Elder who preached in the pastor’s absence. "Bless the Lord O my soul… and forget not all his benefits" followed by As you well know, you are greatly missed whenever you make these trips away. Your work for God’s church doesn’t go without a thank you sent to God. Trusting in Him…
" The Lord will give Strength to His People" Psalm 29:11. She says she’s Looking forward to going through Genesis" which is our new Family Bible study.
His 18 year old daughter chose Happy Valentine’s Day…We missed you today! I Love You! I’m glad you had a safe trip! ( I wont include the one from the 15 year old son!)
Roses are Red Violets are Blue… Pastors are Great, Especially YOU!
Thank You for all you DO! I am so thankful that God has blessed our Church with you as our Pastor. You and your family are in my prayers, daily…
There are many more valentine’s in the box.. all of which are heartfelt thanks to a man who has given his life to his Lord and the work He has for him to do. These cards truly are an encouragement to a man who never seems to see the end of the war… fighting many battles on the way.
So, although he marries no one in secret…. is not waiting execution for doing so , he and I do thank all of you who wrote Valentines. And thank you, Lucy for the time you took to create them. He truly was blessed!
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
