Usually, when Valentine’s Day starts to get closer each year, I wonder how I’m gonna be able to top the previous years activity, romance, or “specialness.” This year however, I didn’t feel one ounce of pressure or obligation, but instead, I spent my energy in asking the Lord what he would like for me to do for Marlena on Valentines Day.
Last Monday, Marlena wasn’t feeling well so she asked me to take her to the chiropractor to get an adjustment, so I reworked some things to be able to go with her this time and also get an adjustment myself. When we got there, Marlena went first and I waited in the waiting area for my turn. Then suddenly, an older woman came in and sat close to me, and I could tell she was having a hard time. I didn’t know why, but I felt in my spirit that perhaps she was grieving a loss, and that I needed to talk with her.
When I asked her if everything was ok, she looked up at me with tears down her face and told me that her husband had just passed away 2 months ago, and that she was having a hard time. I spent some time listening to her and encouraging her until it was my turn to get adjusted. When Marlena was done, I told her what was going on and she went to talk with her while I got adjusted. After we were both done, we stayed and talked with her for awhile and God really just opened our hearts to her and we just couldn’t get her out of our thoughts.
So last night, Marlena comes to me and tells me what she would like to do for Valentines Day. She had looked up the address of the woman we met, and she wanted to take our time out to go deliver some flowers to her for Jesus and spend more time talking with her.
So that’s what we did for our valentine’s date today. I have to say, it was by far the best time we’ve had as a couple in awhile. For many years I’ve tried to do my best with the romance, candy and flowers, but this year, God showed me something so powerful… “Walk with your wife into her dreams.”
I can’t imagine being with someone for 57 years and then trying to start all over again, but I sure am glad that Marlena and I have 50 years or more ahead of us serving God like Barbara and Harry have. They gave themselves so deeply to the kingdom, and it was a great honor to sit with the love of Harry’s life and the love of my life to experience one of the best Valentine’s Day’s ever! I am so grateful for our new friend Barbara, and I’m a really looking forward to spending time with her and learning more about the great man that Harry was to her and the Kingdom of God.
So on a big day like Valentine’s Day we were able to keep it normal for us, and make the special part about someone else. By living a life closer together in intimacy, communication and freedom, it affords us to keep it simple, and give ourselves away for the sake of God’s love. I’m so glad that my relationship with Marlena is healthy and vibrant and centered on Christ’s love for each other.
– Marlena, I had the best time with you today! My favorite thing to do with you is to minister in the Holy Spirit. Whether on stage, or in places no one knows, I love doing life with you and I’m so glad that I married someone with such a big and giving heart as you! Thanks for making today very special and meaningful!!!
Shawn Starbuck 
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