Ah, the month of February.
Stores are lined with candy, bears and Valentines. Flower shops are working overtime. Retailers are seeing dollar signs. And it seem as though everyone is making plans for showing that special someone that he or she cares.
Valentine’s Day is usually one of those holidays you either love or hate. Maybe you love it because you have a significant other and can’t wait to buy him something and see what he gets you. Perhaps you hate it because you don’t have someone, and you’re tired of seeing everyone else so lovey-dovey.
I’ve been in the latter group. During my high school years, my best friend and I never had boyfriends on Valentine’s Day, so we jealously watched others in love and just complained about what an awful day it was.
What’s interesting, however, is that my best friend and I missed the bigger picture. But our friends who had boyfriends also missed it. Because no matter which situation we’re in, we all have one thing in common: A Valentine who’s so much better than any human could ever be.
Don’t let this be another holiday where you’re so head over heels in love that all you see is red, or you’re so depressed about being single that all you do is cry. Instead, spend February 14 making your true love—God—your No. 1 priority.
Here’s how:
1. Give Him Your Heart
We have e-mail, e-cards, flowers and chocolate to give to our Valentines. But God doesn’t want anything materialistic or concrete from you; all He wants is your heart. Do you tell Him everything—your dreams, hopes, fears and worries?
Have you asked Him to take you and use you in the best way He sees fit? If not, today is the perfect day to give Him the best gift He could ever receive—your love and devotion.
2. Go on a Date
When two people start dating, they dress up and put their best foot forward because they want to impress the other person. It doesn’t work that way with God. He sees you inside out and knows your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Find a quiet spot—maybe take a walk or go in your bedroom and shut the door. Spend time talking to God, getting to know Him and building a relationship with Him.
3. Read His Valentine to You
God wrote a love letter just for you—the Bible. Yes, it’s rather long and sometimes hard to understand, but this is His gift to you, and it will make your heart beat quickly if you let it. Start with 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter on love. As you read, though, don’t just think of what love means in earthly terms, but notice how the definition of love applies to how God feels about you, too.
4. Accept His Flowers
God created a beautiful universe for you to enjoy. Take a few moments away from your iPod or computer and step outside to enjoy nature. If there’s snow on the ground where you live, bundle up and enjoy the warmth of His arms around you. If it’s sunny where you live, thank Him for the feel of sunshine on your face.
5. Spread His Love Around
Even if you don’t have a boyfriend to spend Valentine’s Day with, there are plenty of people who need love, and you can make a significant difference in their day!
Ask your parents if they want to have a family dinner; invite your best girlfriend over for a girl’s night; send Valentines or candies to your closest friends. Last Valentine’s Day there was a story about a male teen who bought roses for every single girl in his high school because he wanted each of them to feel special. There are so many creative ways to show others that you care.
Bottom Line
It can be easy to get wrapped up in the materialism of the season or to get wrapped up in complaining about what you don’t have. The truth is, you have it all because you have God’s love.
Valentine’s Day is a day that will come and go. Friends will come and go. Boyfriends will come and go. God, however, is unwavering in His love toward you. So this February 14, make Him your No. 1 Valentine.
Sandi Greene lives in Cottonwood, Ariz., and enjoys restoring old dollhouses.