Poor old Charlie Brown. Every year it’s the same thing. He addresses enough Valentines for everyone in his class and doesn’t receive one in return. It has to be hard for a kid not to get even one Valentine.

Think of the many folks that don’t have a special someone in their life – those who are single by choice, those who have lost one they love, those who are facing years of caring for a disabled loved one. It has to be hard for them too.

Millions are spent each year on cards, flowers, chocolates and other special gifts, but why does it simply have to be one day only? Like Charlie Brown says, it’s almost like you’re singleness is being exploited at your expense.

It’s OK, Charlie. You have millions of fans in the world. You are loved by countless children and your words have touched adults as well. Of course that doesn’t mean much to a comic strip character. It doesn’t mean much to real live people either. We all long for someone to love and someone who will love us in return – someone we can share our lives with and build a life together.

Jesus gave us the best Valentine ever when He shed His blood to pay for our iniquities. This is called undeserved, unconditional love, but even that message doesn’t hold a lot of water for those who are looking for a relationship with another person.

Dear, God, I know that you have given us the best possible gift – eternal life, but I pray for those who have lost love in their lives – for those who have been separated by death from those they cherish – for those who have never experienced true love. Heal their hearts and let them know that they are loved in the best way possible, by You! Amen