God's loving heart can be found in even the smallest ways

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us."

- John 3:1 (NIV)

I've always had a passion for Valentine's Day. No matter what day of the week it fell on, I enjoyed that it is the day that symbolizes love.

This year it's on a Sunday. I recall a special Valentine's Day of mine that was on a Sunday several years ago.

The night before, traces of snow had fallen and covered the pavement of my driveway. It wasn't a massive amount that needed immediate removal, so we left it there. Unknown to me, it made for the perfect backdrop for my Valentine's Day surprise.

The next morning, just before eating breakfast and getting dressed for church, we opened our blinds to experience the most amazing valentine.

In the center of the driveway were two hearts, about 6 to 8 feet in diameter, entwined. Like a letter written in the sand, they were scrawled by tire tracks in the traces of snow. The strangest thing is there were no tire tracks leading in or out of the driveway.

It was the most mysterious valentine message I'd ever seen. I have a picture of the marvel framed and hanging next to my computer to remind me each day of God's love.

I figured this year we could all use a reminder that our God has a loving heart. It doesn't always feel that way when we're battling our trials, temptations and pandemics. That's why I believe He likes to leave loving reminders here and there, so we don't get weary or discouraged.

They aren't always as obvious as this amazing valentine I discovered. But they are just as meaningful. Although some think they are happenstance or mere coincidences, I believe they are the work of an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God who is sending us the message. I like to consider them God-incidences.

Over the years, I've enjoyed observing God-incidences large and small. Some are so subtle they could almost go unnoticed. Others leave you in awe.

I'm not the only one who has them. They come to us all. My friends share theirs with me often. I believe recalling them on a down day can restore our faith.

My valentine prayer for you is that you would get a special one, and recognize every God-coincidence, happening and small wonder in your life as a tender message of God's love.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.