Valentine's, A Few Days Late

Due to my being busy with work, I was unable to post this on time. Hopefully it is just as enjoyable a few days late. :)

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Let me ask you a question. What is Valentine's Day about? Is it about getting flowers, candy, and sweet little notes? Are you single and pitying your plot in life because you have no lover, flowers, candy, or sweet notes? Let me shoot straight with you. You have got it all wrong. Valentine's Day is not about what you receive. It is all about what you give. It is a day to celebrate your love for others, especially your sweetheart or spouse. Valentine's Day is all about showing others how much you love them.

As a single it is easy to get all wrapped up in what you do not have. You fantasize about how your future spouse will bring you flowers and write you poems. It is so easy to get lost in dreams about "then." Sometimes it easy to forget that when "then" comes along things will not be perfect. Your love may not have money for dozens of roses or diamond necklaces. He may not be able to write a rhyme, much less a poem. He may forget about Valentine's Day all together. But those things will not mean he does not love you. Love is not about one day of the year when your man feels pressured by the world to buy you flowers. It is not about what he does or does not give you. It is not even about whether or not he remembers Valentine's Day, your birthday, or your anniversary. It is about his being there when you need him, and sticking by you no matter how hard things may get. It is about those little things he does for you, like washing the dishes when you have had a super long day, or holding you when you cry, or praying with you when you are worried. Love is not something measure in gifts, it is something measured by words and actions, and not just for one day of the year either, but for every day. I know it is tempting, but do not over fantasize about "then." Instead, focus on now.

Yes, I said now. Think about what you do have, not about what you wish you had. Think about how much you are already loved. Even without "Prince Charming." There is family, friends, and God. Even if no one else loves you God does. In fact, He loved you so much He sent His Son to die for you (John 3:16), and that is being loved more then you can even imagine. Dwell on that.

Are you smiling yet? No. Then it is time for step two. Think of ways you can show those around you how much they are loved. In loosing yourself in efforts to show others you love them, you will forget about how lonely you are. After all it is more blessed to give then to receive (Acts 20:35). When you get busy doing for others you forget about yourself in the joy of bringing them joy.

If you are still feeling a little down, pray. Pray for yourself, pray for your family and friends, even pray for your future spouse. Tell God all about the loneliness in your heart. Share all your dreams with Him. Ask Him to be with you as you wait. God is always faithful. He may not always give us everything we ask for, but He always answers prayers. And He will always, always be with us because He loves us.

Happy Valentine's Day! Share the love.

Kaomi