By Kimberly Lock, Christian Post – The month of love is here. February 14th is deemed as Valentine’s Day. During this time, we find the convenient stores filled with cute little greeting cards, small boxes of neatly wrapped assortments of candy and balloons gingerly waving through the air like a cool summer breeze. But what is Valentine’s Day really all about if there isn’t a special “someone” to share it with? But oh, there is someone who would like to share this day and every day with you.The simple definition of love is that it gives. In fact, the Bible states that God loved the world so much that He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in His son Jesus, would not perish but have eternal life.
Wow, you mean to tell me that someone loved us so much that they were willing to sacrifice their only child for us? God did that? Why yes He did. Let’s be honest. Would you give one or any of your children, in hopes of possibly helping someone else, when there isn’t a guarantee that the person would even accept or better yet acknowledge your help or even your existence? Well, God did. And while we may not have to give such an ultimate sacrifice to reflect the characteristics of God, we certainly can demonstrate love in many other ways by loving ourselves as well as our neighbors:
Do Something Special for Yourself
You don’t have to be with a special someone to express love. Show yourself that you love you. Pampering is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to express love. It simply means that you cherish or admire someone and you’re devoted to that individual. You know what? You can express that to yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back for all of the hard work, dedication and commitment you have demonstrated on the job. Congratulate yourself on the accomplishments of rearing God-fearing children. After all, you’ve earned it! Make no mistake; it’s not a sense of pride but a sense of gratitude for thanking God for entrusting you to carry out these obligations.
Pampering can be made affordable and does not require the first month’s rent to be handed over to the receptionist at the grandest of Spas. A nice warm bath with candles should do the trick, with soft music and no television, reflecting on times past when Valentine’s Day was a drag. Why stress over dinner? Whoever said candlelight dinner required a 7-course meal? Pizza, a nice salad with all the trimmings made from your personal chef (you) works just as well. At least you know the lettuce and trimmings have been cleaned. And to end the evening’s festivities, unwind with your favorite cup of tea from Teavana and one of the annual Lifetime Valentine’s Day movies that keep you glued to the television. Well, at least you don’t have to worry about someone picking through all the good chocolates in the heart-shaped assortment box. You can keep the box to yourself.
Do Something with Others
If you just don’t want to be alone, here are some suggestions as well. How about spending time with grandma and grandpa as they share their stories of Valentine’s Day celebrations over the years? Maybe a family dinner with siblings to show your expression of love or lunch with long time acquaintances would be nice as well.
The key to love is that you are giving something of value to someone because you are in admiration of that person. The affection that you have deepens as time goes on. What you’re giving is unconditional and doesn’t always mean money:
• Giving your time to seniors to play a favorite pass-time, read a book or look at old photos.
• Giving your ear to listen to a close friend in time of need.
• Giving your advice to a teen under so much pressure from society to do things that are morally wrong but somehow justified.
• Giving your hand to that child whose parents gave them up AND has given up on them.
• Giving a second chance
• Giving thanks
• Giving your heart to Jesus to mend the broken pieces, where life has made you bitter.
This Valentine’s Day, let us take the time to reflect on how we can love the way God has. After all, He says He is love and if we are an image and reflection of Him, we should be able to demonstrate the type of love that He has. Whether you are single, married, separated, divorced or widowed, make this day – a celebration of love, memorable for you.
