Last week I found a whole bag of pretty paper scraps at the craft store, took them home, and started making valentines. I can't remember when my sisters and I first started the tradition, but for years now it's been our February habit to cluster around a table cluttered with red and pink scraps of paper and ribbon and make love notes for all our family and friends.

Two Valentines Days ago, when I was in Moldova, my European friends were so confused by the mass of cards I was producing. Does Cherise have that many boyfriends? No--none! But who decreed that the Day of Love should be monopolized by couples?

One of my friends, a girl from Bangladesh, was explaining to me why she doesn't celebrate Valentines Day. "Love should not be just for one day--people you love should always know you love them." I heartily agree! But sadly, I'm not always the best at telling the special people in my life just how special they are to me. My life becomes ingrown sometimes, an unhealthy infatuation with the details of my day and the dictations of my day-planner. Appreciation requires pause. For me, Valentines Day is like an enforced pause, a moment consecrated, set aside for telling people I love you. I am so thankful that you are in my life.

Days set aside for remembrance were God's idea from the first, starting with the Sabbath, and continuing with all the Jewish holy feasts. They were like the stones set up by the Jordan; when their children would ask later, "Daddy, what does this feast mean?" or "why is there a pile of rocks here?", the things God had done would be retold, remembered, and bring praise to God. Even though Valentine's day might have some pagan roots, for me, the day is like a stone of remembrance, reminding me to pause and thank God for the love with which He's surrounded me.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! --1 John 3:1