The gray mist of this chilly February morning hung heavy. I wrapped my thin coat more tightly around my shivering body as droplets of moisture dampened my hair. Taking a walk had seemed like a good idea until the brisk wind caused my retreat.

“Missy, it’s too cold and wet for a walk this morning.”

I gently tug at her leash and she willingly turns toward home. I had retrieved her from my friend’s house on Friday, cleaned my upstairs, and spent the weekend at home. The last few weeks have been hectic, but I’ve tried to keep my spirits up. Finally, I see my home beginning to take shape after a winter’s freeze burst pipes in the attic wreaking havoc.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I’m reminded of many years past, and I think of how I celebrated many of them. The years of helping my children find just the right valentine card to slip in their friend’s boxes at school was always a joy. Later there were sweetheart banquets and special crushes that required the utmost thought and attention. It was such fun to be a part of watching my children grow and mature in their attachments.

There are so many different kinds of love. I have learned to rely on God’s strength and his loving arms when I’m feeling weak. And I’ve called on Him more than usual lately.

Though I am certainly old enough and experienced enough to know that I don’t need to worry, sometimes I still do. It has been said, “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but gets you nowhere.” These simple but wise words remind me to refocus on the positives in life.

This brief, but stressful experience of being displaced from my home has given me a more tender heart toward the homeless, hurting people in this world. My experience has been so minor compared to others, I know, but God uses these moments of distress to increase our compassion toward others if we let Him.

Romantic love is wonderful and exciting. The love of friends and family adds so much structure and flavor to life, but the love of God is breathtaking in its purity and beauty. Wishing you love.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only son” (John 3:16, King James Version).

Jan Penton Miller can be reached at lilsisjan@yahoo.com.