Happy Loving!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!!

Today is one of my favorite holidays.  The world is hopeful, compassionate and excited today.  I love seeing people walk around with flowers, chocolates, everything pink and red!  It's such a cute little holiday.

It really makes me sad when people are bitter or angry towards this day of the year.  I think most of these people are afraid of being alone, honestly.

It's all about perspective.

My daddy has been my Valentine every year since I was old enough to remember.  Some of my favorite stuffed animals were Valentine presents from my father.

As I've gotten older and left home, Dad still gives me valentines of sorts, but I have also had to learn how to celebrate Valentine's Day on my own.  This growing process has brought me some beautiful traditions of my own and taught me how to make God my ultimate Valentine.

Tradition #1: I started this in High School and have carried it with me as I've grown older.  From college classrooms to church events to my job at the bar and a restaurant.  I love to buy cheap little kid Valentine cards, (you know the one's that come 32 in a box for about $4.)  These are cheap and cute and they absolutley make everyone's day.  Last year I handed them out to all sorts of customers and coworkers and watched huge smiles and hugs blossom out of everyone.  Several people told me it was their only Valentine they had received that day.  I love this tradition because it reminds me how simple it is to share a little bit of love.

Tradition #2:  I always have a long quiet time and talk with God.  It seems like he always goes above and beyond in a simple, special, unique way to tell me that he loves me on Valentine's Day.  One year it was in the stars on a walk home, another year it was by speaking through music.  You never know with this guy, he's a big thinker!  I also write him a love note of praise, short and simple.

Tradition #3: Is for my future husband.  Every year on this day I buy him a Valentine's card and write a special message in it just for Him.  I then seal it and put it in my box of letters that I will one day give him as a way of saying, "Finally, my love has come, at last!"  Kind of weird, kind of cute...either way, I think it is neat to say I have always had a Valentine's card for him.

There have also been several years where I go above and beyond decorating my apartment, baking cookies and cakes and invite all of my best girl friends over for a red and pink party full of love!  Those are special times too.  If I had been living on my own I would have done that this year.  I forgot to plan it too though...oops!

Perhaps you are single on this lover's day, but you are definitely not alone.  Look around you and find someone to love.  It may not be romantic love necessarily, but there is always something.  <3