I giggled when I read a message on social media about replacing Valentine’s Day with a second Thanksgiving. The favorable comments for another Thanksgiving Day sobered me as I read about spouses who lost their love and, by the way, who needs Valentine’s Day anyway? I doubt, though, that a hearts and flowers money maker like Valentine’s Day will ever be cancelled or replaced.
The
whole thing got me thinking. I wondered
about those folks and their comments of emptiness without a current romantic
interest in their lives. I asked myself how I would face Valentine’s
Day if I ever spent it alone. Would I go
to the movies by myself and hide in the dark?
Would I invite single girlfriends over and watch a romantic comedy while
eating popcorn together? Knowing me, I
would probably stay home, put my jammies on and go to bed real early to escape from
the pain of loneliness.
That’s not how one girl handled it. A Christian brother shared a story about how his (now) wife spent Valentine’s Day while single. She had just given her heart to The Lord and committed to serve Him all the days of her life. She worked for a company whose supplier threw a party which fell on-- you guessed it—Valentine’s Day! She had to attend. She hated going alone. The pressure increased and her boss expected her to be there inviting her to sit with him and his wife. Oh, now that’s compensating, huh?
Then This Happened!
She
prayed about the whole thing and decided to attend. In her prayer, she asked Jesus to go with her
and be her date. Her attitude changed
and she actually looked forward to it especially when she shopped for a new
dress and found that “right one.” When
she put on her new dress for the party that evening, she thought she looked
pretty hot. She whispered to Jesus: “You know, I’m use to my dates bringing me
flowers so I hope that you have some for me.” Wouldn’t you know—her ticket won her the
table prize, a bouquet of red roses.
This
true story fills me with hope. Jesus is
the ultimate love.
Happy
Valentine’s Day! Let us all, married or
single, enjoy this special day set aside for love. Because the truth is, Jesus loves us. May you feel His love from the top of your
head to the tips of your toes not only on Valentine’s Day but every day!
I certainly needed to read this today! Thank you. Happy Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I'm very happy to sprinkle a little joy on what must be a difficult holiday for you. Love you bunches!
DeleteWhat an encouraging message! Love hearing how this girl still thought enough of herself to go buy a pretty new dress. (And Jesus did the rest!)
ReplyDeleteAh, society still places such a premium on two-some's, doesn't it? Back in Flordia when I was BS (between spouses), I'd sometimes go dine at the airport, where (I figured) no-one would think it unusual to be eating alone.
You're not only gorgeous, but clever. But I knew that. Have a great Valentine's day!
DeleteJesus is the best valentine ever
ReplyDeleteI don't think we have a clue to the way He really loves us, Neecie. Hugs and kisses!
DeleteLove this Mary and you know..its so true.
ReplyDeletehe is our love...the Lover of our soul. Who could ask for any better Lover than that?!
He is perfect and He adores us.
Love to you sweet friend...big hugs all the way to your heart from mine xo
All my heart,
Deborah xoxo
You touch on the greatest truth, being loved by God, my dear sister. His love makes us feel like giants in the love department! We are blessed.
DeleteSo sweet about the flowers; how Jesus did provide that for her :) What a very inspirational story; love her attitude and how she presented her best with Jesus as her date.
ReplyDeleteWe went out to eat tonight; it wasn't our intent but we found ourselves on the road between Phoenix and Prescott, arriving back in Prescott at the time for a meal. We went to a new restaurant we hadn't bee to before, ordered our meal and drinks, and then I noticed a woman sitting by herself eating. She had gotten a nice meal, a glass of wine, appetizer, salad, main entree. She spent a lot of time on her phone, but she ate alone. I admire that. Not sure I could have pulled that off on Valentine's Day.
betty
I too admire it, Betty. Takes courage to get out and enjoy the company of one....but then you never know the whole story. Maybe Jesus was sitting there as well and only she knew it and felt His presence.
DeleteI wonder how I would feel on Valentine's Day too if I were single. I have been there and didn't really like it. ha. Love the story about Jesus as her date. May we all see Jesus as our Valentine every day!
ReplyDeleteI agree! We women want to be loved; well, He is the lover of our souls. Let's go for it.
DeleteHi Mary! I love that she won the flowers after asking Jesus for some! He never disappoints, does He?
ReplyDeleteYour question about spending Valentine's Day alone is a good one. I don't know what I'd do. I don't think I'd see a movie alone, although I have done that before. I suppose I'd hope the day went by quickly!
It's so hard to feel polarized on a day that is designed to help us feel grateful for love in our lives. Maybe the whole idea of 'romantic' love needs to branched out to all kinds. Pets, family members, faith...there's a lot of love there too!
Blessings,
Ceil
I think we need to branch it out, too, Ceil. I sent my oldest grand daughter a mushy valentine with money for ice cream tucked inside. I'm totally on board! Pets too, yes.
DeleteWhen Christ Jesus is my first love, all other love blossoms. Your perspective is great to hear.
ReplyDeleteI heard similar to that in yesterday's sermon, Cho. My pastor warned married couples that no one is compatible. As we pour our love into the Lord, we REALLY love our spouse!
DeleteWhat a sweet post, Mary! I loved the story you shared. :) Sending you much love in this belated Valentine's Day wish!
ReplyDeleteAw, love those sweet wishes, Cheryl.
DeleteWhat a great story! The last time I had my nails done, I had the initial 'J' painted on the nail of my ring finger--married to Jesus.
ReplyDeleteLoved this!
DeleteThis year I purchased valentine cards for my children, my husband, and single niece. I did not expect one in return, but I did get an e-mail thank you from our Foster Daughter. Robert's family growing up NEVER celebrated anything. (maybe one gift at Christmas.) so I know not to expect. He shows me love every day in small and big ways. He cooks for me, and makes sure I am cared for and comfortable. Jesus cares for me too, he provides the food, but doesn't cook it. I loved your single girl's story. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
ReplyDeleteHey, Lynn, I heard you married Jesus. Awesome. Hazel, you are too funny. Jesus just provides it; we have to cook it. Although He cooked for the guys while they fished. Bet it was delicious.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, you have lots of people who show acceptance and love to you re: how you're sharing. Thank you!! Makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteYou make me smile. Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteThis post reminds me the valentine's is not just about couple but most importantly, this is about love, all people who believe in love in any form, for your pet, for food, for advocacy, for family and for God, because we love, since he first loved us!
ReplyDeleteLet me also remember our departed loved ones! :) Happy Valentine's Mary!
Great thoughts, Steve. May you feel His love today!
DeleteThese are the types of stories I love to read! Thank you for sharing and happy to be your neighbor at Jennifer's #TellHisStory linkup.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you stopped by, Stephanie. You're always welcome here.
DeleteI love this story, Mary. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThanks, sis. Love ya!
DeleteWhat a sweet story, and sweet perspective of Valentine's Day - thanks for sharing this! And thanks for your visit to my blog, Pursuing Heart! It's always fun to "meet" someone who shares my season of life - congrats on your 45th anniversary this coming August, too!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you dropped by, Cherry! Bless your day.
DeleteAwesome post, Mary. It really is all about perspective... and our Savior never fails us even down to the smallest of details that sometimes speaks the loudest.
ReplyDeleteHad all of my Valentines over for dinner! Doesn't get any better than that.
Those little things Jesus does for us do make us feel the most loved. I can picture you enjoying that special dinner with your special loved ones! So nice.
DeleteThat is a beautiful story, and very encouraging for me as a single. I heard a speaker one time say that she would pray for God to be her husband in times she felt she couldn't continue alone. Since hearing her, I have prayed for God to act as my husband when I feel incapable or lonely, and He does bring encouragement and He has given my a dad and a brother to act as the men of my life :)
ReplyDeleteHappy to read of the encouragement God brings to you in your life, Liz! Great testimony.
DeleteHe's been a constant Valentine Date and Ultimate Love of my life.
ReplyDeleteSweet, Lux! The perfect valentine He is.
DeleteI too have wondered what it would be like to be alone, and I do shudder at the thought, but as you shared your story of this girl who realized that Jesus can be all and all in our lives, our Father, Husband, and Lord! What a delight to know that the Lord is able to meet all our needs, such a comfort! God is so good! So happy to have met you, praying you have a blessed and wonderful day!
ReplyDelete