Redefining Valentine's Day

When I say the words "Valentine's Day" what comes to your mind? Is it chocolate? Roses? Love? Couples?  Cheesy chick flicks? Perhaps it is a day filled with anticipation of getting to see your love. 

Valentine's Day according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a "Lovers' holiday celebrated on February 14, the feast day of St. Valentine, one of two 3rd-century Roman martyrs of the same name. St. Valentine is considered the patron of lovers and especially of those unhappily in love. The feast day became a lovers' festival in the 14th century, probably as an extension of pagan love festivals and fertility rites celebrated in mid-February. Today it is marked by the exchange of romantic cards (valentines), flowers, and other gifts." 

Sadly for many people (young women and girls especially), this definition gets translated to "if you are single this day isn't for you." Or the day is just a reminder that they are alone. This shouldn't be the case! I have been single for every Valentine's Day of my life (this year included), so speaking from experience, even if you're single, Valentine's Day can still be a special day. 

I was lucky enough that growing up my mom always made Valentine's Day special for our family. My parents didn't go out as a couple, but instead the day was a celebration of our family's love for one another. My mom would prepare a delicious dinner and set the table with candles and cut out hearts and cards at each place. I thank my mom for doing this, because it showed me that Valentine's Day is not simply about romantic love. 

So to all you ladies out there who are single this Valentine's Day, try taking a different approach. Instead of watching cheesy chick flicks alone in your room, eating a gallon of ice cream. Here are some other suggestions 

1. Watch cheesy chick flicks and eat a gallon of ice cream with another single friend instead! Or a sister!

2. Send cards to those you love in life! Friends, family etc. 

3. Make a loving gesture to someone you have never met! 

4. Treat yourself! Get yourself some strawberries and dip them in chocolate. Or buy yourself a rose! 

5. Spend time with your one true love! Jesus Christ! 

6. Do all of the above! 

We are so fortunate to have a God who cares for us and loves us! 1 John 3:16 says that "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." A little later on in chapter 4:19 John says "We love because he first loved us." The only reason we can celebrate Valentine's Day as a holiday of love is because Christ first loved us! 

So how would I redefine Valentine's Day? Here is my new and improved definition. 

Valentine's Day: A day to show the love of Christ to those around you, whether it be romantic love, friendship, familial love or just loving on a stranger. A day when we can rejoice in knowing that we are so loved by our God that he sent his son to die on a cross for us. 

This post was inspired by Heather, a wonderful young woman that I had the opportunity to serve with in Peru this summer! Thank you!