My First Valentine's Day Gift

My first Valentine's Day Gift

Forty-six years ago John Avant sat beside me on a wooden park bench on the campus of Baylor University and handed me a wrapped box for Valentine’s Day.  It was our first Valentine’s Day together.  I was so in love with this blonde haired, blue eyed preacher boy that my heart was beating out of my chest.  

I opened the box and there it was: a brown leather New American Standard bible.  At first, I will admit, I was disappointed.  I thought, “John, I know you are a preacher but could you  get a girl something a little more romantic than a brown leather Bible.”

Then I opened it up to read the words he wrote on the inside cover:

Presented to:  Donna Duniven

By:  John Avant

“To the girl I love---the words of the only one who will ever love you more.”

Love always, John

February 14, 1979

My heart melted.  I knew at this moment that John Avant understood what real love was.  He knew that love wasn’t just an ooey-gooey feeling.  Love wasn’t about giving expensive gifts or going on romantic dates.  Although, I will say over the last 46 years, he has given me lots of nice gifts and taken me on some very romantic dates.  However, John realized exactly what would sustain us through the many ups and downs of life: the love of the Heavenly Father and His word.

His Word has held us through the death of both of our parents , the death of a grand-baby, and many friends who have gone to be with Christ.

His Word has been our wisdom while raising three children.

His Word has sustained us through tough financial challenges.

His Word has reassured us through times of questioning.

His Word has reminded us of His passionate love for us when the world felt cold and lonely.

His Word has been our direction when we weren’t sure which way to go.

John challenged me on that day in 1979 to passionately love Jesus and to hide His word in my heart.

As I look at that old, brown leather Bible, which is now all marked up, I thank the Lord daily that John’s first Valentine Day’s gift to me was not something that would wilt or fade with time, but it was the Word of God!

Thank you, John Avant, for not only preaching His word faithfully but living it daily in front of our family and those to whom you preach His word.   Happy Valentine’s Day, John!

Happy Valentine's Day to each of you. Remember you are loved fiercely by our Heavenly Father and He is just waiting for you to open His word and read His love letter to you.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God and every one who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 

I John 4:7-8