Greatest Valentine
Happy Valentine’s Day! It's the special day we celebrate love and friendships!
Valentine's Day is special for me because that is the day Moses and I got engaged. I remember that special day clearly. I remember what we were both wearing, what we had for dinner, and the memorable moment. Moses rented a limo and took me to the Moore Mansion overseeing the river for dinner. He got on one knee to propose, and I immediately said Yes! Everyone around us was excited for us and came over to congratulate us! He also promised me that he would take me there on every anniversary. Unfortunately, that same year the place burned down. Even though the restaurant burned, our love remained, and this summer, we will be celebrating 22 years of marriage!
Of course, not all of Moses' attempts to be romantic felt that way to me. Early on, some of his favorite words were, "Babe, I would die for you!" And these words, instead of being a compliment or making me feel special, drove me crazy! Not because I didn't believe him but because it made me think about what it would be like if he died. If he were to die, I would be heartbroken, and my life would not be the same. Those specific words that were supposed to impress me didn’t fill me with love because I didn’t need my husband to die for me. I wanted him to do his best, live and love me, and enjoy life with me.
By this time, I knew the love of God and that Jesus had died for me, and His sacrificial love was sufficient for me. The beauty of this is that no one else must give their life for me.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” John 15:13
In this passage, John tells us there is no greater love than giving one's life to the one you love. If Moses needed to do so, it certainly would have been an act of love. Ultimately, however, I didn't need him to. Jesus had done that for us. Jesus came to bring us forgiveness, offered us unconditional love, and wanted us in relationship with Him for eternity. Thankfully, we are not asked to give up our lives for others. But we are called to love them as Jesus loved us.
To accomplish His redemptive plan for us and the world, Jesus gave His life so that we would live a meaningful and fulfilled life. The sacrifice that Jesus paid on the cross is sufficient for us to be grateful and live our lives worthy of His act of love. Through Jesus' love, we genuinely love ourselves, our spouse, our friends, and those around us.
Throughout our marriage, we have been blessed with many genuine friendships and people who have been with us through thick and thin. One person specifically has been Pastor Dale White, born on Valentine's Day. God knew we needed his love and friendship! We met Pastor Dale a few weeks after we got engaged. Our Salvation Army pastor introduced us to him. Dale pursued Moses and me until he recruited one of us to be part of his staff here at church. His intention was for us to become missionary ambassadors. Things didn't work out exactly as Dale planned, but God called us to Hillspring and into ministry here!
Walking in Jesus' calling to love others isn't always easy. Friendships, as beautiful as they are, can bring emotional challenges. Now as a pastor, I am visiting my mentor and sweet friend as he struggles with the health issues 91 years of age brings. It breaks my heart to see him at this stage in life, so fragile, even as his heart is full of love for our family. As much as we love him, I don't think we would give our lives for him, but I will continue to follow his legacy and everything he believed in. I believe God uses special people to exude His love and grace toward us.
Pastor Dale offered his beautiful church for us to get married in, and we will forever be grateful for this act of kindness! Every time I perform weddings at our beautiful altar, I am reminded of my vows and how grateful we are for his friendship.
I am thankful for the ultimate sacrificial love of Jesus for you and me and the world. This love is so much greater than you, and I can expect. God continues to show us how much He loves us through those around us who bring meaning to our lives.
My prayer this Valentine's Day is for you to think about and thank those who have been influential in your life. Hopefully, you can love and live for them, as Jesus modeled.
Blessings,
Grimelda Sanchez
Associate Pastor