This Valentine’s Day we gathered to celebrate what truly matters — love.

Our devotional was from John 13:34–35, where Jesus commands us to love one another just as He has loved us. He did not wait for us to be lovely. He loved us first. He loved us at our worst, and He calls us to love that same way.

Valentine’s Day is often called the “Day of Love,” but for us it became a reminder that love is more than a feeling. It is a deliberate choice. It is acting for the good of someone else. It is patient. It is selfless. It is Christlike.

We had 15 volunteers and about 20 residents join us for our Valentine’s Day celebration.

We made Valentine crafts with and for the residents. Some played chair basketball, while others chose different games or coloring.

Piv, Mackenzie, and Christina also led us in singing well-known love songs and gospel tunes with the help of a karaoke machine.

During the event, a mom and her daughter walked in carrying handmade Valentine’s Day cards. They were from a local Girl Scout troop and had extras they wanted to share. What a sweet surprise!

Piv then shared an encouraging message about Christ and she closed by praying over everyone present. Several of us gathered around Yvonne and prayed for her to be verbal and walking again. Thank You, Lord, for healing.

One of the residents, Debby, took the remaining cards and leftover cookies back to the 300 hall to distribute to those who were not able to come to the cafeteria. We made sure the love went to them.

I also delivered a basketball game (that had been donated specifically for those residents). Even when someone cannot leave their hallway, they should never feel forgotten.

Love moves toward people. This Valentine’s Day, I saw it again — in volunteers, in residents, in children, in staff, and in unexpected visitors carrying handmade cards.

This is how the world knows we belong to Him. By our love.