The Distance Love Will Go

Dear 12^th Mile Runners:

It’s February—the month with heart!

The American Heart Association highlights it. Hallmark romances it. Chocolate companies sweeten it. Florists beautify it. Physically, emotionally, and even spiritually, we are encouraged to reflect on what makes us tick.

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day!

I have always loved it! Candy hearts, chocolate cupcakes (always cupcakes), and cheesy cards prompt us to risk vulnerability by telling others how much they mean to us! I have even seen high school students express appreciation to their teachers. I know because I have witnessed it and received unexpected words of affirmation. In a high school setting, THAT is extraordinary!

But …Valentine’s Day? For some reason, this playful holiday encourages me to reflect on love’s strength and the distance to which it will go!  I overthink stuff—it is true—but this kind of thinking in February has helped me see my world with greater heart. For instance, we just finished Christmas, one of the year’s most powerful celebrations. We may still have some decorations lingering in our homes…with the resolve to put them away soon. Now we are headed toward the other end of Christmas—the reason for it—Calvary! What a picture that is of how far a Father’s love will go! Do we see this kind of love in our everyday lives? Sometimes. And when we do, it can jolt us into thinking more deeply about what really matters.

It was 1987. El Paso, Texas. I was about to teach an algebra class. I had just taken attendance and was walking toward the classroom door to close it and start the lesson. Suddenly, I heard running feet in the hallway. I stepped out of my classroom to see if there was a problem. The sound was coming from my left. Hallways were not wired for much artificial light at my school; we relied on the abundance of El Paso sunshine. That day, we had little of our customary natural light, so the hallway was very dim. I could see little. Yet someone was coming—and fast! This was unusual. The bell for the class period had sounded several minutes earlier. Whoever it was was extremely late; nevertheless, the fast-paced steps kept coming. Then a soft cry rose as the person drew ever closer. It sounded female. I stayed in the hallway in case she had been hurt or was in danger. She was coming from the direction of the principal’s office. Honestly, I did not know what I would do when she met me, but there was something wrong.

She came into view. She looked at me with distressed eyes and a tear-stained face. She was not afraid. She was upset. As soon as she saw me, she altered her path to make a wide arc around me, avoiding where I was standing. Just as I was considering how to get involved, I heard a second set of running feet! These were faster—heavier—moving toward me. It was a man; he looked older. He locked eyes with me. His face was strained, beads of perspiration glistening. His eyes exuded pained love, the weight of concern, and tears. He gestured toward the direction the girl had traveled and said with labored breath, “That’s my child!”

My body stood immovable—frozen. For several seconds, I did not think about teaching algebra. With this earthly father’s declaration, I caught a glimpse of how God must feel about me. When I run my own way, He places circumstances in my life to love me back to Him! This earthly dad felt the same way. During those fleeting moments in the hallway, it was obvious they were about love and rescue. He wanted to let his girl know it was okay to turn around and come home!

That’s why I love Valentine’s Day! The best Valentine of all was the one we received at Christmas. His power changes lives. He IS the perfect Valentine! When we embrace that message in our hearts, he joyfully declares, “That’s My Child!”

Psalm 103:13…As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

1 Corinthians 13:13… And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 

With love and CUPCAKES!

Louise Ann