Daily Devotional for February 14, 2023
Jillian’s Ruined Rose
Jillian knew she needed to hurry—her grandmother would be waiting. Nana picked her up after school, and Jillian spent the afternoons at Nana’s house, reading and playing with Nana’s cat. After work, Jillian’s mother came to take her home.
Today Jillian worried about making Nana wait but decided it was worth it. Nana deserves a Valentine’s Day gift, Jillian thought. That’s why she had removed coins from her piggy bank earlier in the week—to order an elegant red rose for Nana. The student council at Jillian’s school organized the rose sale, and Jillian couldn’t wait to pick it up on Valentine’s Day and give it to her grandmother. Now, on her way to Nana’s car with the rose in her hand, Jillian walked slowly and carefully to protect the flower.
Thinking of Nana waiting for her in the car, Jillian walked faster, skipping a few steps. Nana’s going to be so surprised! But then she stumbled and fell to the floor, dropping the rose. She struggled to her feet, rubbed her aching knee, and gasped. The delicate bloom had been crushed in Jillian’s fall.
Jillian retrieved the flower and trudged gloomily to the car.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetie!” Nana sang out.
“Not so happy.” Jillian held out the ruined rose. “I bought this because I wanted to give it to you as a Valentine’s Day gift, Nana, but I tripped and fell on it.”
“It’s lovely!” Nana answered, taking the flower gently into her hands.
“What? It’s terrible!” Jillian exclaimed.
“It’s a gift of love,” Nana replied. “You gave something up in order to give it to me. That reminds me of the greatest gift of love I know about.”
“What do you mean, Nana?”
“Jesus showed us what love is all about when He gave His life for us. And when we trust in Him for the forgiveness of our sins, He pours His Spirit of love into our hearts.”
“That’s a lot better than a rose,” Jillian mused.
“Jesus’s death for us declares, ‘I love you.’ And you gave me the rose to say, ‘I love you.’ When we know Jesus as our Savior, we can share His love with others.” Nana smiled. “Just as you did for me today.”
-Allison Wilson Lee
How about you?
Do you ever wonder if you’re able to show God’s amazing love? When we begin a relationship with God by putting our faith in Jesus, His Spirit comes to live in our hearts. In His strength, we can share His love with others. Our love is imperfect, but God’s love never fails. Even our messy efforts to show love can point others to the love of Jesus!
Thank you for reading this Keys for Kids devotional! Did you enjoy the story? Has Keys for Kids been an encouragement to you and your family? If so, would you please consider supporting Keys For Kids Ministries in our effort to continue to provide these daily devotionals to children around the world?