When our oldest child, Taylor, was young, I enjoyed much father-daughter bonding centered around bedtime. Her joy, and mine, were evenings making ready for such by reading a 'bed time' story. Two of her favorites were, "Good Night Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown, and "The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear" by Don and Alice Wood. She loved it when I would read these, and if ever I left something out, or handled my role with anything other than my usual intonation and expression, she'd correct me - insisting I read it over again until it was 'right.'
Thinking back, I realize that many of the messages taught by these stories were not just for children, but for parents, as well! This was certainly the case with another of our favorites, "Love You Forever" by Roger Munsch. Do you know the book? The first 2 stanzas are as follows: (except in my case I'd modify words, to read as a father to daughter)
A FATHER held HIS new baby and very slowly rocked HER back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while HE held HER, HE sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
What a wonderful message this book held - and how fondly I remember the comfort it gave to Taylor and me as we read of love lasting forever. However, in the book of Romans the Apostle Paul once wrote this:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
Yes, paternal love and romantic love are truly amazing, but on this Valentine's Day I am grateful for more - I am grateful for the love that to us comes from Christ. One which is certain and can be counted upon for all found in Him. We can know that God's love brings joy in every circumstance of life, and... we can know one thing more - it really will last forever!
Happy Valentine's Day,
Pastor Sam
