As Valentine’s Day nears, some people feel overwhelming sadness, either over the loss of a partner, a dissolved relationship, or just not having anyone to love. What was designed as a holiday to celebrate love can feel like just another reminder of loneliness or grief.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the effects of grief have even been called the “broken heart syndrome”.
I remember a time in my life, many years ago, when I suffered from grief – and had bouts with shortness of breath, chest pain and tears. My mom died when I was in my twenties. I was just beginning my life’s work and was having a tough time financially.
One night, during a particularly lonely night, having just ended a long period of crying, I suffered acute chest pains. I just couldn’t catch my breath. I decided I would pray – and at that moment, I was startled by the thought, “You can’t suffer from a broken heart.” “Why not?” I thought. It sure seemed as if I was suffering a lot. Then I realized that God’s unconditional, unwavering love was with me right then and there. With the greatest resolve I could put together, I turned away from my grief and turned toward God. As I prayed, I could feel His love, and it filled my heart with comfort. I felt better, and was soon well.
In the days after this experience, I realized I needed to express more love to others. When the Psalmist sang a song of gratitude to God, he proclaimed, “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.”
A perfect heart does not just mean a beating muscle, but also living the qualities of Love, such as forgiveness, affection, humility, courtesy and gratitude. That is one way “to mend a broken heart”.
Love is such an important component of our spirituality. It not only mends our emotions, but it is a health-giving quality. Dr. Larry Dossey once wrote, “If scientists suddenly discovered a drug that was as powerful as love in creating health, it would be heralded as a medical breakthrough and marketed overnight – especially if it had as few side effects and was as inexpensive as love” (Healing Words p. 109).
You may have heard it before – but it is so true – God loves you. You are His valentine. Happy Valentine’s Day!
