You Are Loved!

In college, there was one day of the year that I dreaded as a single, 21-year-old woman.  Valentine’s Day. 

I remember watching my friends with boyfriends get flowers and go on special dinner dates and honestly, I felt less than.  Maybe you have felt the same way. 

Valentine’s Day was a reminder that I was alone.   

I think our culture puts such a high demand on being in love or having a special someone on Valentine’s Day.  Honestly, if you fall into a different category like single, divorced, or widowed, this holiday can be extremely difficult.

If you find yourself wishing tomorrow would be done already, let me share a couple things that have helped me.   

1. Valentine’s Day focuses primarily on romantic love, but I want to encourage you to expand your definition of love.

Think of all the loved ones in your life and choose one to honor this Valentine’s Day.  Place your focus on the love for your kids this year.  Give attention to the deep admiration you have for your parents and siblings.   Zero in on the gratitude and fondness you have for your friends.  All of these are examples of love!

2. Valentine’s Day puts an emphasis on special dinner dates, so I want to encourage you to start a new dinner tradition.   

At our house, we decorate the table like we are at a fancy restaurant.  I cook our favorite finest cuisine: steak and shrimp. We exchange cards and gifts for each other and honestly, I love my special Valentine’s Day dinner with my sons at home.   Maybe this year, it is time to start a new family tradition at your home.

3. Valentine’s Day places value on the temporary but I want to encourage you to have an eternal perspective.

I want to end with your most important relationship: God’s love.  Many of us know the verse John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  I recently saw this graphic and I loved that it had the word Valentine in it.

What if we viewed Valentine’s day through the filter of God’s love?  What if we stopped trying to find our value through earthly love but instead focused on our worth through God’s eyes? 

Valentine’s Day is a reminder that I am seen, valued, and loved!

I wish I could go back in time and share some of this truth with my 21-year old self.  Friends, if you are feeling alone this Valentine’s day, I want to share this same truth with you.  The God of the Universe is whispering to you right now, “I see you. I love you. I made you for a purpose.” 

Let this truth sink into your heart this Valentine’s Day!  Praying you can have a fresh look at this holiday and focus on God’s love for you as well as the other blessings in your life!

Love, Jodi