Valentines day.
…Frank Sinatra and a candle-lit meal.
…Heart-shaped chocolate boxes and rumors of who’s-going-with-who.
…Signs of FOMO are rampant.

We make our Plan B if Plan A doesn’t work out to avoid a candle-less night at all cost.

More than any other time of the year, this season of “love” can be a set-up, revealing an imposter in full color. (Mostly red and pink.) Know in advance what this imitation game is, and you’ll be without regret.

Our culture worships the now. I write this as I wait for my third coat of paint to dry. I’ve been taping and painting baseboards all year, off and on, until this house is rid of it’s stained wood, circa 1983. On hands and knees, nose way too close to the carpet, each of the 4-5 coats has to be thin. There is no “now” for me in this project. It’s a perfect lesson in “later”. Then, the reward comes: a fresh white and gray (Benjamin Moore Revere-Pewter-awesomeness to be exact) to welcome me through the hallway. Worth the wait.

Goodbye ‘80’s! Except, we’ll keep your drum pad and key-tar.

The greatest enemy to God’s best is settling for what’s good enough for now. I call it The Now Trap. Jesus was tempted to give in to the now: ‘the devil took him (Jesus) to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.’ Matthew 4

He saw the sham and didn’t accept. And because He was willing to wait for His true reward (you and me, that is), God here today embraces us unconditionally. Humanity was reconciled because Jesus knew the value in the “later”.

Isaiah 40:31…”but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The imposter tries to act like love, but “later” is nowhere to be found. Nothing stored up for winter, just an immediate feeling that fades with time and doesn’t get better with age.

Jesus never asks you to do anything He hasn’t done Himself. He chose “later” instead of “now” and saw a great reward. And when you go against the cultural now’s, you will also see a reward. Seeds you plant will give back over a lifetime.

If you are pressured by the “now” this Valentines Day, thank him for the flowers, the steak dinner and the movie ticket. Then politely tell him that you’re waiting for the paint to dry.

You’re seeking the best reward.

-Becca

MY PLAYLIST (The 8 songs you need for Valentines day)

1. Stay And Wait-Hillsong United
2. Sovereign Over Us-Michael W. Smith
3. Only Got Eyes-Martin Smith
4. Always Enough-Kari Jobe
5. Rule In My Heart-Beth Croft
6. Shepherd-Bethel
7. Only Hope I’ve Got-Ellie Holcomb
8. All That I Am-Rend Collective