In place of my normal Monday Meditation, today I am so very pleased to have Nikki from Simply Striving here to share her beautiful heart. She does a regular post on Mondays called Music Monday and I asked her if she would be willing to do that here. She graciously accepted, and I am glad for you to meet her today.
I retreat up the stairs to my favorite quiet place, anxious to put my pen to page. What I will write is still unknown, but the anticipation is enough to fuel my excitement.
I’m not sure how long it’s been since I began this tradition. One thing I do know–it has revolutionized my view of the holiday upon us:
Valentines Day.
This used to be my least favorite holiday as I was certain it was a conspiracy of consumerism. An urge to spend money after the real holidays were over. And what better excuse was there but for love?
While talking this over with a co-worker one day, she glossed over words that stuck to me like leeches.
“Well, if you can’t change it, embrace it. Celebrate it your own way.”
One day I hope to tell her how much her comment moved me. How much it has changed my relationship with the One I choose to celebrate this day.
I flip through my journal now, reminiscent of the valentines I’ve penned in years past. And I smile wide when I find one. The indentations from words spilled on covering pages seem to add to its charm. Love fills my chest as I trace over each letter of every word.
Now I close my eyes, waiting for words to travel to my fingers as I breathe in deep, clearing the path to my heart. I pray the words I pen will hold fast. That I live out every one. So when the time comes, I can unabashedly share these face-to-face.
These love letters to my Savior. My Eternal Valentine.
My pen starts flowing in steady, smooth strokes. It isn’t until I’m finished that I realize I’ve held my breath, waiting for this masterpiece to be done. And there it is. Four simple words that don’t mean much on their own, but seem to mean everything in this valentine:
You Can Have Me.
Doubt starts to intrude as I wonder if this is enough. If this shows enough passion. And as I’m staring at the words I’ve written, the song by the same name comes to mind:
You Can Have Me ~by Sidewalk Prophets
My thoughts linger long on the lyrics penned in this valentine song.
♪♫ If I saw You on the street And You said come and follow me But I had to give up everything All I once held dear and all of my dreams
Would I love You enough to let go Or would my love run dry When You asked for my life
When did love become unmoving? When did love become unconsuming? Forgetting what the world has told me Father of love, You can have me
You can have me
If You’re all You claim to be Then I’m not losing anything So I will crawl upon my knees Just to know the joy of suffering
I will love You enough to let go Lord, I give you my life I give you my life
You can have me
I want to be where You are I’m running into Your arms And I will never look back So Jesus, here is my heart
You can have me My Father, my love You can have me ♪♫
I close my journal leaving it just as it is. Yes, this valentine might be my best one yet. . .
How about you? Do you make a valentine for your Savior? If not, will you give it a try this year?
Thanks for sharing your time with me. And thank you, Lisa, for allowing me to share my valentine song.
Simply striving,
Nikki
Hmmm…something I haven’t considered….a valentine for Jesus….you may have given me what i’ve been looking for….for Valentine’s Day this year!!! Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that, Rebecca! I hope you give it a try.
Have a wonderful day!
~Nikki
Ok, I really love your perspective on this, Nikki! The words, “you can have me” are so powerful! Love this post, friend!
Thank you so much, Katie! Trust you will celebrate your Savior this Valentine’s day!
Lisa, you bless me so.
Thank you so much for allowing me to spill words on your beautiful blog! You’re such a wonderful friend. . .
May you delight in Him this Valentine’s Day (and enjoy celebrating with your lovely family)!
All for Him, with love to you ~ Nikki
P.S. Lisa, thanks for letting me flood your comments today, too! I just had to respond to everyone 😉
Lovely post. 🙂
thank you, Sam! 🙂
Love, love, love this Nikki! Thank you so much for the blessing of this post.
I did make a Valentine for Him. Posted “a love like no other” to remind everyone that He loves us faithfully not just on Valentines day but always…
Thank you, Charina! And thanks for sharing your valentine with us, too!
Absolutely beautiful! You just gave me some wonderful ideas about celebrating this day with my children tomorrow– focus it on the Lord, the way it should be. 🙂
Many blessings,
Lisa
Oh I’m so thrilled you’re going to do this with your children, Lisa! I had my 3 year old do one today. He drew a family portrait on the valentine and I teared up of course. Yes, Jesus, Here are all of us — For you! 🙂
(and thanks for stopping by!)
All for Him,
Nikki
Ahh.. Nikki – I love your words. they are always a soothing balm to my soul 🙂 Thank you for blessing Lisa and me today!!
Oh, you bless me every day, Aurie! Thank you so much for your kind words…
I was looking at cards the other day and thought I would put them back and write my own Valentine to my husband. After all, I am a writer. But this, it never occurred to me Nikki. What a beautiful idea. Just like you!
Oh I love that you’re going to make them, Shelly! Those are my favorite kind of cards to receive — hand-written from the heart.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!
What a wonderful idea to reclaim the day by writing a love letter to Jesus! I wrote a poem for hubby and another one for our girl, but you have inspired me to write one for Jesus….your four words are the most important ones! Love your heart for Him, Nikki 🙂
I love that you wrote separate poems for your daughter and hubby, Dolly.
And am thrilled you’re adding one for Jesus, too!
Thanks for joining me over at Lisa’s today!
This is so beautiful. I never considered making a Valentine for Jesus. I know it’s tomorrow, but will have to give this some serious thought. After all, who says my Valentine to Jesus has to be on the day. I can give Him one any time I want to! You are such a tremendous blessing to the Body of Christ. Your words are bring warmth and always point me back to the Father!
Thank you so much, Barbie! I’m so thrilled you’re going to rise to the challenge of creating a personal Valentine for your Savior! To God be the glory!
(and I’m praying for you today, friend)
All for Him,
Nikki
beautiful. just simply beautiful.
Thank you, Theresa!