Why I Enjoy Valentine’s Day

Over the past few days, I’ve heard several women – married, single and dating, single and not dating – lament over the the fact that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and they’re getting anxious about the whole thing. I’ve always enjoyed Valentine’s Day and I expect that I will this year as well. Here are three reasons why:

1. I confess that I am a chocoholic and any excuse to eat some will do for me. I recall sharing with a few ladies a week ago that you could cover broccoli with chocolate and that would be just fine with me. I pretty much like all things chocolate. I took a trip to Brussels, Belgium several years ago and have since developed a love of Belgian chocolate. But, I’m not picky because Brach’s chocolate-covered almonds and Cadbury’s candy bars are my favorites too. So, this Thursday, I’ll pay a visit to one of our local Godiva stores and pick up a few truffles to celebrate.
2. The first Valentine’s Day after my divorce I started a tradition. Each year I make a donation to a charity which supports women and/or girls. This is just a reminder that “it’s not all about me.” This year I’ll also be helping out at the young adult ministry’s Valentine’s Day Ball at my church. That’s another way to give something back and have a little fun at the same time too.
3. John 3:16. What a wonderful time to take a few minutes to marvel at the greatest love of all. It’s not just about chocolate and flowers. I can enjoy Valentine’s Day and every day before and after, because I know that I am loved beyond measure, unconditionally and forever. It’s just one more reason to celebrate Jesus - Valentine’s Day and every day!

Choices

I recently had a conversation with a young woman who found herself in a very dangerous situation. She had previously divorced her husband because of physical abuse and ran straight into the arms of a new man who was also a physical and verbal abuser. As we talked about her legal options, she said, “God brought this man into my life so that I could get to this point.”

As I listened to the young woman’s statement, a little battle raged in my mind: should I say something or should I just let her words pass? The Holy Spirit wouldn’t let me be quiet. I had to ask her if she really believed that it was God’s will that she was living with a man she wasn’t married to who also happened to beat her up any time he felt like it? Her response was that when I put it like that, she couldn’t very well say that the life she’s currently living is the Lord’s will for her life. It was her choice and not His.

How many times have you heard someone say that a certain set of circumstances was the result of the Lord’s doing? I know I’ve been guilty of saying the same thing a time or two myself. However, there are times that my bad choices are the cause of the challenges that I have to face.

As I explained to the young woman, God gives us free will. When we don’t pray, read scripture and seek His will for our lives, we won’t make the best choices. We need godly wisdom and James 1:5 says that if we only ask God, He’ll give it to us. That’s a reminder for all of us to stop and ask the Lord what He wants us to do before we take action.

My young friend agreed that the first thing she needed to do was to get out of current living situation, get into some counseling and seek the Lord’s best for her life. That’s pretty good advice for all of us.