A Not-so-Hallmark Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day might have been a week here and gone already, nevertheless the wake of loneliness that it left can probably still be felt in those who didn’t necessarily have someone to spend it with. I'm here to remind you that there’s so much of this life to love. While I am 100% single as a Pringle, I feel so completely full of love and joy. Why? Well, in looking back at my life at what I DO have and what Jesus has so kindly blessed me with.
To find pictures that I’d want to post as my “Valentine” for this particular day- a joke for social media- I’m having a hard time deciding what I love more: My family, my dog, coffee, my galpals- new, old, far and wide- good mood food, music, breathtaking sunsets, the fun nights out with friends dancing and singing our hearts out, cars full of 25+ pizzas. The list goes on, but the underlying idea is this:
~ it’s the overall beauty the Lord has created in simplicity and everyday things that often times gets overlooked~
Yes, there are times where I find myself feeling lonely in many different senses of the word, so I can definitely relate. And on days like this where the Hallmark industry has created an infamous monster, pink/red color schemes overtake the world and social media is bombarded with sappy sentiments, I can’t help but joke about it with underlying hopes to have someone to do that with next year at this time, just as much as the next single gal. Nevertheless, I can’t change my circumstances right now. So instead of concentrating on what I lack, I choose to take the path to self-love and appreciation for what I have. And also, choosing to take advantage of the things/conversations/friendships/experiences that a relationship might hinder me from right now.
“Right, Britt. That’s so much easier said than done though.” I get it. I’m even kind of preaching to the choir to be completely honest with you, but something happened the other day that gave me some peace in this department.
I was sitting in the student center, sipping my coffee, reflecting on my Jesus time and people watching. This day in particular I was really struggling with my season of singleness/loneliness because it seemed like everyone around me already has someone and suddenly, I heard this whisper: “When in doubt, look at my creation. Look at how plentiful it is, and how beautiful I have made it. With this in mind, how can you have even the slightest doubt that I have made something beautiful especially for you? You will not end up alone. So please my dear, enjoy where you are right now and I will be sure to take care of you.”
I was quite literally shaken at how much power those words held. I hope that gives you at least a little bit of sound mind no matter where you stand in this crazy world of relationships. Matthew 6:25-34 even reminds us of how much Christ cares for us and will be faithful in taking care of us, no matter our relationship status or how lonely/incompatible we might feel in the dating game. He knows what we need and what we can handle and will give it to us in His time.
Maybe you did have someone to spend this holiday with. If so, then I am so happy for you! Still, remember those who do feel especially lonely during this time. Be kind to them and empathetic. Remind them that they are loved by you and their Heavenly Father. And even further, I’d like to encourage you to not get caught up in making your S.O. your entire world, because news flash: they’re not (Sorry if I just busted your bubble, but reality has to hit sometime). I mean that with your best interest at heart.
Here’s why though:
No matter who you’re dating- or not dating- you might feel a hole in your heart that can leave you desiring love from so many sources and people, always yearning for something more, but the only thing that can satisfy, is God himself. It may be deceiving and easy to think that a person can do that job for you, but they’re just not capable enough for that, we all make mistakes, no one is always perfectly reliable and as humans, we’re all much too broken.
Your purpose is so much more valuable and powerful than being a “half” to another person; you are so much more capable and unique than any other person can make you. And, there is so much love and joy that you can find and give in the little, unsuspecting things and people around you.
So, when next Valentine’s Day rolls around, instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of what the day celebrates, remember how greatly you have been blessed in the little things. And maybe even treat yourself to a box of chocolates.
xoxo,
Your Valentine