The Greatest of These

Here is a photo from the engagement session I did with Chelsea and Mitchell in Vincennes, Ind. Check out my photography page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Divine-By-Design/300078203353267.

Not just the commercialized, over dramatic, romantic love pushed on us by society, but instead, the many different forms of love humans experience.

The local Christian station, WBGL 88.5, started a campaign, entitled "Stick with Love," to encourage its listeners to share God's love with all those around them.

The way they are suggesting each person share the love is by writing an encouraging message or Bible scripture on a post-it note and leaving it for a friend, loved one or even a stranger to find and read.

I've done it several times in the past few days in different ways, and although I may never see the fruits of the messages, I hope and pray they have made someone have a brighter day or helped them to realize how precious they really are, no matter their past mistakes.

Doing this has got me thinking about how universal and all-encompassing love really is.

There is romantic love, a parent's love, sibling love, friend love, Christ's love, love for an animal, love for a dream, self-love (which isn't always a bad thing in moderation) and probably the most pure of all, the love of a child.

Not only are we fearfully and wonderfully handmade images of God, we were also blessed with the beautiful gift of love.

No matter what your romantic situation or how cynical you may be about Valentine's Day, I would say that more than likely 100 percent of the world's population has loved someone else in some way during their lifespan.

Love is the powerful force that drives us to get through the day so we can rush home to be greeted by a hug and kiss from a loved one after a difficult day at work.

It's the driving force behind things like the tribute garden some Clay County members have volunteered to help plant and harvest, as well as millions of other memorial tributes and the carrying on of another's legacy throughout the world.

Yes, there is so much negativity and nastiness, and yes there are many problems needing immediate attention, but isn't it amazing that against all odds and all these obstacles surrounding us on a daily basis that love still exists and thrives all around us?

Now that's powerful!

Do me a favor after you finish reading this: Take a vacation moment.

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath, inhale and exhale.

Then, picture for a few moments a time when you felt really loved and content.

Was it a warm hug from a deceased family member?

Was it when your little daughter or son gave you a kiss on the cheek?

Was it when you were baptized or finally repented and changed your life forever?

Whatever the loving feeling was, that is what love is to you!

If you are feeling sad, lonely or disheartened this Valentine's Day just keep that memory in the easy access box in your mind and pull it out if you feel the world is getting too overwhelming!

I hope you know that God loves you this week, and I hope you are brave enough to show others the love you have for them.

"But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." -- 1 Corinthians 13:13