“I could live in a tent as long as I’m with you.” You know what they say… famous last words. Yes, I said those words with both absolute resolve and with intense passion. I was, of course, talking to Frank, the love of my life. That was 1983, and the looming obstacle standing in the way of our pending wedding date was only… a job. He did get a job, we did marry, and moved into a nice small apartment. Many years have passed, and I still love him as much as ever. I guess I could still live in a tent, but it would need to be a big tent with running water and a working restroom… at least.
They say love is blind; maybe so or at least a bit blurry – thank goodness for all of us! As we walk away from another Valentine’s Day celebration, I remember how often a few unnamed young women (that lived in our home) left the day feeling a bit discouraged not having a special “sweetheart” in a particular year. Love brings joy and challenges, sometimes heartache and often a heart so full, it seems it may burst open with happiness.
One of my favorite “happy” love songs is a catchy little tune, “you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey, you’ll never know, dear, how much I love you; please don’t take my sunshine away.” I sang it to Frank for years, I’ve sang it to all four of our children, and now I’ve added grandboys to the list of “sunshine” recipient.
The simplicity of the song offers much insight and reality of love. There are grey skies, sometimes there are even dark black skies that threaten to block out our sunshine. I can’t help but think that the people of Jerusalem must have been counting on just that as they listened to prophet after prophet (you know those “minor” ones in the back of the Old Testament) tell them of the impending doom that awaited them. Now don’t get me wrong, they were deserving of the “doom” – they had turned their backs on their loving, faithful God in most every possible way, but even with all their mistakes, their sunshine was definitely showing challenge. Enter Zephaniah – his book is only 3 chapters and the first 2 ½ are the full explanation of God’s wrath at their enemies and at them, so they do understand what is coming, BUT toward the end of chapter 3, there is hope. Of course, we know that the ultimate hope is through salvation in Jesus, but this hope is strictly stated in how God loved them.
On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, “Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid! For the Lord you God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will REJOICE over you with GREAT GLADNESS. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by SINGING a HAPPY SONG.” (Zephaniah 3:16-17 NLT) God wanted them and us to sing, AND He is going to sing over us – Do you hear that, You are HIS sunshine! Wow!
I rarely write a letter that I ask you as the reader to participate, but this was so powerful for me personally that I’m offering you the opportunity. Attached is a Love letter. The first half is from you to someone – maybe a spouse, maybe a child, maybe a parent, maybe a friend – you don’t have to send it, just follow the prompt questions to fill it out. The second half uses the same questions, but you’ll notice it is to you – a love letter from God. Might seem a bit strange to take on the role of God particularly to write to yourself, but use this scripture as a place to start. It is a potent reminder of God’s love for us… no matter what. Give it a try and know that He is God and that He loves you enough to sing over you a happy song!
You are HIS sunshine!
Thanks be to God,
Susan
The snow is piling up... you have a little extra time! :)
A LOVE LETTER
Date:________________________________
I first loved you when…
I love you because…
I even love you when…
What I love most about you…
Sincerely,
---------------------------
A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD
Date:_______________________________________
I first loved you when…
I love you because…
I even love you when…
What I love most about you…
Sincerely,
God