Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. Romans 15:13 TPT

My husband, Rodney, and I went to Costco yesterday. They strategically placed a “flower lady” in the entry on the day before Valentine’s Day. Rodney reached for a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses as. I began talking to the flower lady about our story.

“I love the fact that we both found love again after our loving spouses moved to Heaven,” I told her. “Two years ago, on Valentine’s Day, we went to our favorite Chinese restaurant to celebrate the day. When our meal was finished, Rodney went to get a little takeout box to take the yummy leftovers home. When I opened it, out fell a beautiful engagement ring. He got down on one knee and proposed.

Our son and his family were there to capture all of this on video. We cherish the little voice in the background saying – A RING! A RING!”

“Obviously you said, “YES!” she replied.

“Oh, I sure did. And as we left the restaurant our 4 year old granddaughter insisted that her Mom go get her a take-out box and was bitterly disappointed when it was empty.”

I introduced her to our granddaughter who was spending the day with us. Our day was filled with hope and love. I pray that your day is as well. Here are some suggestions:

God’s love inspires us

We take our cues from our loving Heavenly Father who gave what was most precious – His Son. Look around you to see who may need a little extra love. It may be that little one that is underfoot and whining. It may be the stranger who needs a genuine smile. It may be a friend who has been curt to you due to their own issues.

Active Expressions of Love and Honor:

• Give anonymous gifts in the “pay it forward” way.
  • Pay for someone’s coffee in the drive-up line
  • Leave an exorbitant tip
  • Take flowers to a neighbor who is alone
  • Mow a widow’s yard
• Release all expectations and give with a heart like the Father’s heart

True love is initiated with faith

Many are depressed on Valentine’s Day because of the rejection they have experienced. There are those who have isolated and insulated their heart against future hurt. This decision is expensive in every way because they feel alone and disappointed. Hope is a fountain that can overflow in your life even if you have been hurt.

Active Expressions of Love and Honor:

• Tell your love story to all who will listen
• Say “thank you” to all who serve you
• Honor the hidden servants in your life

Hope must originate from the inside

Hope is the confident expectation of an amazing outcome even from the worst day of your life. It does not mean that you trivialize what just happened. The day we faced the death of our spouses does stand out. We continue to honor the lives they lived for the Lord and the heroic hope they demonstrated until their last breath.

Active Expressions of Love and Honor:

• Spend time reflecting on your blessings
• Make each day a new start by taking a picture of the sunrise
• Express your confident expectation of a positive outcome
• List your reasons why the future is bright

Hope says, “This is a new season and it will be good.”

In the comments below, tell us about you faith, hope or love commitment. A brief expression of your love story would be amazing as well.