February 14 is always Valentine’s Day. This year the Ray’s had an experience that they have not had in probably twenty plus years. I know many of you may wonder what this experience was. It was the first time in over twenty years that Lisa was not in Jena working at the flower shop. Hallelujah and Praise the Lord.

When we moved twelve years ago, Lisa made an agreement with Elton that she would come back and work for him at the shop until he retired. We assumed (you know what happens when you assume) that Elton would only have a couple of years until that time. Was we ever wrong! It was more like ten years.

Last year was the last time. When she came home, I told her no more and make no agreement with new owners or any other flower shop. She is officially retired from the flower business.

I know all of you are wondering what we did so special on this Valentine’s Day. It began with me staggering to the coffee pot. Lisa knows that I don’t function well in the morning. I have to have several cups of coffee and move around some.

Generally she don’t talk to me because about the only answer she will get is a grunt. Now get the picture. I am staggering down to kitchen and I am at the coffee pot when I feel Lisa tap me on the back of my shoulder. I immediately think what is so important for her to tap me. I turn around full expecting her to deliver some bad news, like the washer is leaking or the dishwasher is not working.

Much to my surprise, when I turned around I hear “Happy Valentine’s Day” and she has this coffee cup that will hold a good 15 ounces that says: Coffee, Then Conquer!

I must say my wife knows me and she knows what I like. I had my normal three cups in my new coffee mug.

Tuesdays are Lisa’s busiest day. She has become a group leader for the Bible Study Fellowship, women’s Bible study. Tuesday morning, she has to attend their leaders meeting and then that night she leads one of the night classes. My day consisted of driving to Monroe and seeing Hospice patients.

As we were both about to leave the house she asked me if I wanted Zaxby’s or Dairy Queen. My Valentine supper was a triple meat burger from Dairy Queen. When Lisa arrived home I had her Valentine’s Day gift ready for her. One bag of Mounds candy bars, one new set of PINK hearing protection earmuffs for when we are out shooting. And best of all a homemade Valentine card made from a target that said: “Lisa Ray When I found you I hit the bullseye!!!! Happy Valentine’s Day, #41 Love You 80-20 (a story for later date) And that’s a lot!”

Love is a wonderful thing, and after 41 years it is even better. But that love pales in comparison when I think about how much Jesus loves me. I am reminded of what John 15:13

“No greater love than this, that a man will lay down his life for a friend.”