On Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day!

While enjoying this special day, I have become keenly aware that some people feel, well, frankly left out on this very special celebratory day. You see, there are several flaws that I see with how America looks at this holiday…

1. Valentine’s Day as a Marketing Strategy – By laying a guilt trip on every male that is either married, engaged, dating, or even just good friends with someone to purchase something for his special someone, stores and manufacturers seem to see Valentine’s Day as a way to make some extra cash. Sometimes it gets frustrating, married or single, to walk through the store during this special time, seeing all these candy and flowers displays that will be half priced tomorrow and drop to 75% off within a week! Overpriced stuffed toys line the streets, screaming for each male to “outdo” the other on this special day. Watching the Walgreen’s commercial advertising a “Valentine’s Day Consultant” really got my mind working! Is this a society in which some girl saleswoman knows more about what women want than their own husbands do? Girls, have you ever considered – do we as women appreciate and thank our husbands for their own kind sense of generosity and own romantic way of expressing their love? Or, have we ever dared to criticize a gift from our husbands that was different from what we thought we wanted? Have we fell guilty of making our husbands think they can no longer choose our gifts – that somehow their individual romantic sense can’t lead them in the direction to choose a special gift for us?

p.s. Guys – believe me, if your girl is like most, she prefers your well thought out gift above the pricey and non-thought-out alternatives!

2. Valentine’s Day as Single Awareness Day – Alright, I’ll admit it – when I was single (just 2 short years ago), I felt sorta “left out” on Valentine’s Day. “Everyone” seemed to have someone! except me!! During this time of year, I was reminded of my desire to be married more than ever. This time of year served as a reminder that I didn’t “have somebody” like my friends did. I was lonely. I wondered if I was desirable. Just before Ryan became a special part of my life in June of 2008, God taught me some very important lessons that He continues to solidify in me now. Here is what I learned:

- 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 – Paul informs us that those who are married are to serve our husbands/wives but those who are single are to serve the Lord. So, if you’re married, how are you serving your husband or wife? If you are single, how are you serving the Lord? and I don’t mean, “well, I’m a good wife” or “I’m a good Christian” – I mean “HOW are you SERVING?” To serve means to be fully devoted to someone. To serve means for that person to have our full attention and for our desire to be for that person. Is your desire for the Lord? Do you DESIRE to do what He would like? Is your heart committed to Him?

- Ephesians 5:25-27 – Remember your true Valentine forever! Whether married or single, don’t forget the Valentine that you have (or can have, if you do not know Him!) in Christ – no one on earth will love you as much as your heavenly husband does! Christ gave his life for you! He died for you, and now He lives for you! Christ loves you – He is each of our Valentine. And, believe me – if you are not totally in love with the King of Kings and fully satisfied with him, no one can touch your desire for “someone special” – no one on this earth can fill the void of “incompleteness” that is only filled by Christ Himself. So, whether you are married or single, have you said “Happy Valentine’s Day” to your forever Valentine? Have you said “I love you!” to your forever Valentine?

So, my single friends, Happy Valentine’s Day! Do not concentrate on the fact that at this time in life there is no earthly “match” for you. Time will fly by whether you accept the joy that only Christ gives or not. Commit your single days to searching for the Lord alone – and don’t ever be tempted to feel that not being married means that you are any less desirable in the site of Christ. Celebrate the love you have been given by God and praise Him for His great sacrifice. Rejoice in your time to serve Him and make Him the total source of your affection and praise. Don’t let your mind or heart wander into discontentment and don’t allow yourself to become entrenched in earthly desires.

A verse that really helped me as a single woman was Song of Solomon 8:4 – I want to be careful to not take this verse out of context – I do not believe that it is specifically meant for this application but this is how it helped me – “Do not arouse or awaken my love until she pleases.” When I was single, someone shared that part of the verse with me and I would often quote it to myself when thoughts of “single discontentment” would enter my mind. I strove to not “awaken” those thoughts, emotions, desires, and feelings meant for marriage. I am so thankful for pressing those thoughts aside for the time and am doubly thankful that I did not allow another man to become the center of such thoughts.

Well, that’s my thoughts on Valentine’s Day! I myself have had a wonderful day. In case you’re wondering, my hubby began the day with breakfast in bed (definitely awesome idea for you guys out there!), took me to the store to pick out a dress that I absolutely love, got me some jewelry, and finished it off with a beautiful Cala Lilly plant. What a wonderful day!

Bask in the LOVE of Christ!