Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, February reminds us of love! Valentine's Day might be printed in red on some calendars, but there are dozens of names that may fill out the rest of the dates on many friends' calendars. Chuckle along with me, Lord, as we look around, seeing love being expressed almost anywhere. In church, a young couple stood close together, having their arm around their spouse's waist. That was special to see - but they were not the only ones doing that. Then, a little girl was hugging her daddy and messed up his hair, as he smiled. A tiny little boy, only a few months old, was cooing and smiling up at his mama. Two little girls were "twirling" along the outer wall - as the choir sang.

In the grocery store, a little girl helped her brother find his favorite candy bar. Down another passageway, a young lad was holding his little sister up as she admired pictures on cereal boxes, picking out one she wanted. He told her that he liked that kind, too. So cute.

Back to the calendars - some names have two dates, meaning that person has passed on: aunts, uncles, cousin, parents, friends and neighbors. Some dates mark weddings of family and friends. There are birthdays of siblings, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors, parents and grandparents. February is special as not every month has this many entries.

On the subject of love, here's a quote from Billy Graham: "It embodies loyalty, reverence and understanding. Love imposes a tremendous responsibility on all members of a family, but it is a responsibility accompanied by glorious rewards."

Help me, today, dear Lord, to listen, to love and care for my loved ones with a heart that is made sensitive by You, Jesus. 1 Corinthians 13:8 "Love never faileth ... ."

Thank you, Lord, that love goes on forever.

Love, Mara