Agape All Around Me

By Hannah Linn

Growing up, despite the cold weather that is often present in the month of February, there has always been a warm feeling of love and encouragement that came with the month. I've never shared Valentine's Day with a significant other but with family; when family wasn't around, I shared it with friends; and when friends weren't around, I shared it with God.

I've had the privilege of seeing the month of February as a time to recognize the love in my life instead of recognizing the lack thereof. However, like so many who do not share the day with a significant other, I often cannot help but feel like I'm missing out on a special piece of this holiday. When I feel this way I'm reminded of a great example of love in the Bible, which shows how love is more than any romantic Valentine's Day card could express. 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

​The true definition of love cannot be contained to a single romantic definition. It can be found among family, friends, and above all Jesus. It does not matter if it is found in your relationship with your "special someone", your best friend, or even your most distant family member. Its power transcends all superficial needs and never fails.

​​Right now I'm getting the chance to spend Valentine's Day with my aunt and her three kids. They have shown me so much love since I've been with them and I've had the chance of returning that love through helping my aunt with daily tasks. They are simple tasks like washing the dishes, going to the grocery store, or picking the children up from school, but they have all been a chance for me to repay them for their love.

​Since being here the words from 1 Corinthians 13 have begun to mean more and more. My aunt is a great example of this love. She is patient, kind, and does not easily become angry. Even when things get rough and it seems like everything is messed up, she is always hopeful. Her kids are great examples of love in their own way. They do their best to help out and make each other laugh. For Valentine's Day her youngest daughter spent hours making cards for all her friends and family. Even though these cards were not Hallmark-quality, she made them out of love and so they are worth everything any other card could be worth, and more. I originally came to stay with my aunt's family to show them love, but I have received so much in return. 

Even when I have not been able to see it, God has not wavered in putting love into my life--even if it has been through the most unexpected person at the most unexpected times. I don't have to worry about the lack of love in my life when Agape is all around me.