Fears and Tears

Last weekend, my husband and I planned a night away downtown. It was Valentine’s Day, and we decided to celebrate by going out to an elegant dinner, seeing a comedian, and staying at a fancy hotel.

The restaurant was very nice, the food was amazing, and we had a table by a large stone fireplace with a cozy fire. After dinner, we walked to the show a few blocks away. The comedians were funny and put on a fabulous show. As we were walking back to the hotel, the streets were covered in snow that made the city seem magical.

I had a picture in my mind of a nice, romantic, and peaceful hotel stay for Valentine’s Day. It didn’t go exactly as planned.

There was a cheerleading competition this same weekend and our hotel was full of families bringing their young daughters to this competition.

Lots of noise, chaos, and loud voices echoed around the hotel. It was sweet to see the dads and moms with their daughters, however it wasn’t the atmosphere I was hoping for.

As I was waiting for the elevator, one of the dads started a conversation with me. He said he drove 4 hours to see his daughter perform for 3 minutes.

That actually really touched my heart, that this dad would drive his family out, spend time with them, and be there for his daughter.

In that moment, the Lord touched my heart, and I felt Him say, “You are worth it.”

In that moment, I felt how much I am loved and it took my breath away. It was an experience that seemed to be outside of time. I felt like the one that the Lord would come after and leave the 99.

Thank you, my God, for showing me I am loved. Thank you for the gift of my husband, our marriage, families, and for a weekend that touched my heart deeply. Amen.

“When did God’s love for you begin? When He began to be God. When did He begin to be God? Never, for He has always been without beginning and without end, and so, He has always loved you from Eternity.” St. Francis de Sales.