My husband keeps track of the maintenance on our Ford wagon, and likewise, I keep an eye on the service needed on my Jeep. Whether it's a routine oil change or service to cover mileage or repair, we do our best to keep the vehicles in good shape.     

We know that maintenance is crucial, even though it's not easy to keep up with. It takes time and attention, not to mention frequent visits to the gas station or car wash.    

One afternoon I waited for service to be completed on my Jeep and a text message popped up on my phone.  It was my dentist's office. "We've missed you," they said,"and hope you'll schedule an appointment with us soon." I'd procrastinated, putting off the routine visit for over a year as well as having other dental work done. On top of that, I'd put off having a routine physical at my doctor's office, too. I wasn't taking very good care of me.         

As with our cars, we need to keep ourselves in good shape, too. Compared to the lifespan of the average vehicle, most of us have a lot of miles left on us. For optimal performance, we need adequate food for fuel, exercise to "lube the joints and strengthen the chassis," attention to detail, cleanliness, and someone to "claim ownership," that is, someone who will overlook our care.      

But, we're not a conglomeration of mechanical parts. We have needs that go beyond physical tuneups. Our spirit needs regular maintenance, too. When we believe in a power higher than ourselves, we understand we were created with a purpose, and we are invited to be in a relationship with the Creator. In car terminology this might be referred to as a "maintenance contract." In spiritual terms this is a "contract" or "covenant," but is one that  never expires. It is God's promise that He will always love us and never abandon us. His desire is to claim us as His own, for He made us. (Talk about "detail!")

To be in a relationship requires that we only say "Yes" to God and to believe--and trust--in Him. He is the Master technician of maintenance --and sustenance--for our journey and the miles ahead. 

When it's time for repair, He is there for us.      
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"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4 
"I will never leave you or forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6 (b) 

      Red heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, flowers, and cards with heartfelt sentiment are tangible ways we use to express our feelings on Valentine's Day.        
​        But in addition to Eros (the Greek term for romantic love), there are three other types of love: Phileo, a strong bond or fondness, such as that of friendship; Storge, the love of one's family, as in a parent's love for a child, and Agape, divine love that comes from God. Eros, Phileo, Storge, and Agape are mentioned in the Bible.    
      The thought of pure love is beautiful, for it conjures up an image of something that is bright, glowing, and full of light. Have you ever  noticed that a candle casts a shadow in daylight, but when the candle is lit, the light that comes from it casts no shadow? The Bible speaks of light and darkness in 1 John 1:5, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. " 
       God's love is so brilliant, so illuminating that we can scarcely even begin to comprehend its fullness.  Imagine His love streaming down and flooding every morsel of your being with light. It's a wonderful and comforting thought, isn't it? After all, it is what He wants for you, to let you know that you are loved. The light of God's love shines brilliantly. Follow His light, for He will lead your way. It's a reason to celebrate--and not just on Valentine's Day.  
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Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8