Love is in the air...

From the moment I first saw her, I was blown away by her beauty. And as we got to know each other, we just seemed to click. We shared the same dreams, the same sense of adventure, and before long, we were already imagining a future together. But the real clincher? She laughed at my jokes…long before they were perfected into the “dad joke” masterpieces they are today :).

But what I love most about Leigh-Ann isn’t just that she tolerates my humor. She’s always ready for a new experience…whether it’s hiking to a mountaintop (and getting completely lost on the way down – it was 100% my fault), riding jet skis way too close to whales (which may or may not have been legal), or saying “sure” to one of my many brilliant ideas that sometimes turn out to be not-so-brilliant. She has a big heart, a bigger way of making people laugh, and an incredible ability to make anyone feel at home.

Over the years, God has given us a life together, we’ve sold coupon books, finished school, are raising five kids, and serving in ministry. Leigh-Ann has turned every new house into a home, and along the way, we’ve somehow managed to win a few Super Bowls and a World Series (at least from our living room ?). We’ve been to more of our kids’ games than we can count, enduring both sweltering heat and freezing cold. We’ve run out of gas or broken down in the most inconvenient places, traveled all over “including the wrong side of the road”, and eaten some absolutely amazing food, most of which we actually knew what we were ordering.

Through it all, she’s been my constant, and I wouldn’t trade a second of it. And here’s what I’ve realized: the longer we’re together, the more I love her. Love doesn’t fade, it deepens.

Ephesians 5:25 says, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Jesus doesn’t just tolerate the church. He doesn’t see it as a hassle or an obligation. He loves the church, so much that He gave His life for it.

But let’s be honest…sometimes, we don’t treat the church like it’s a big deal. We treat it more like a gym membership: nice to have, but optional. This Sunday we will study from 1 Timothy 3:14-16, where Paul reminds us why the church is such a big deal.

It’s where authentic relationships grow, we don’t just attend; we belong. The church is a community of participants, not spectators, and most importantly, the church belongs to Jesus—it’s His plan for making the mystery of the gospel known to the world.

So, as we celebrate love today, let’s not just think about chocolates, flowers, or how long the line at the restaurant is going to be tonight. Let’s remember that we are part of something Jesus loves deeply: His church. And that, my friends, is worth celebrating.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Troy