February 14th

I have a confession. I HATE  valentine's day. There, I said it. I've never understood the purpose and have always thought it was a bit silly to reserve one day to somehow prove your love to another. It's over commercialized, forced and contrived. Even as a child I can remember wondering why we were making fancy boxes and giving cards to people we didn't even like. If you love someone, it should be evident on a daily basis, not just once a year, right?

And why does the guy always take the fall if things don't go 'according to plan'? That is unfair to place ALL the responsibility on the man. And no, I don't hate valentine's day because I'm single and bitter. I didn't understand the fuss or really enjoy it when I was dating someone. Although I tried not to ruin the day for others who enjoyed it, it took self control to not paint everything black. 

Then, three years ago on this day, my beloved Granny slipped away. She left a legacy and we still celebrate her life, but I won't see her again this side of glory. That event certainly didn't help the situation or make me wish to celebrate this 'holiday' any more than before.

And yet...last weekend I found myself surrounded by vintage valentines, brightly colored paper, cheerful stickers and an array of markers. I wrote special notes, created colorful cards and prepared to send these missives to many friends and loved ones. Why?

Because God can redeem anything -- even valentine's day. I have been learning that perfect love casts out fear. So I focused on that kind of love while writing...the love really worth celebrating! I enjoy sending snail mail whether it be cards, letters, postcards or packages and this was an excuse to do just that. 

But in the process, I learned so much. God reminded me that His love is unconditional and never changes in intensity. He shows me that love in tangible ways on a daily basis. And He wants me to share that love with others. 

{photo credit}

So, while I will probably never be a proponent for celebrating valentine's day, I can get behind the idea of promoting a God whose very character is love. That is what I choose to focus on today. Won't you celebrate with me?

~Liz