Contending for Cordate Day

In which I climb atop my small, wobbling soap box and passionately defend my favorite holiday.

So I've kinda always loved Valentine's Day. See, my family didn't really give gifts on Christmas. We chose to use that time to focus on Who Christmas is really about. But when it came to Valentine's Day...... whoa Nelly.....that was our Christmas. These days we actually do more with Christmas than we used to, but Valentine's still one of my favorite holidays.

Now, it's not the presents that really get me going for Valentine's Day, just like it wasn't ever really presents that did it for Christmas. Now we all know what Christmas is all about (at least we know it with head knowledge). But do you know what Valentine's Day is about? Sure you could go the historical route. The death of Christian Martyrs. And perhaps even some go with the pagan holiday route. Maybe you think it's all about a improperly clothed child caring a deadly weapon. But isn't about something bigger? Isn't more about the people you love? Or perhaps the Person that loves you the most? Trust me- I'll dig into this deeper with my other rants. They're kinda entwined.

And now, the other rant of mine for Valentine's Day. This may be mostly aimed toward single girls out there but can apply to everyone. Here's the thing. Maybe I'm one of those non-conformist, who does the exact opposite when someone tells you to do something. I admit, sometimes that's not a good thing. But, seriously girls. Do not buy into the marketing of Valentine's day. It's not about romantic love, passion, or being in a "significant" relationship. That's just so they can sell their hallmark greeting cards. I've seen a few posts on facebook along the lines of wishing they had a guy for Valentine's Day and that they guess it will just be them and their dog again this year. Honestly I hope you love someone other than your dog. If you have no one else to that you love (i.e. parents, siblings, family, friends, etc.), then you need to get out more. I've never been in a relationship, so perhaps it *is* the best of times to be with a guy for Valentine's Day. But perhaps, even those married girls put too much stock in their guys coming "through" for them and delivering the most romantic day ever. (gag me now) But let me tell you girls, I'm always with a Guy every day of the week! And this Guy doesn't need a special day to remember to tell me that He loves me! He has shown the greatest love ever! We can't comprehend this love. So be strong! Resist the marketing ploy that you must be "in a relationship" for Valentine's Day. And singles: DON'T WEAR BLACK! (Perhaps no one does this any more, but there was a thing once that single girls were to wear black for "singles awareness day" on Valentine's Day. Honestly, if you are one of the girls that would wear black, I'm pretty sure we all are aware of your singleness just by your attitude.)You are loved by an eternal God that should have you wearing the brightest of pinks ever.

So this Valentine's Day remember the two greatest commandments (Luke 10:27): Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love thy neighbor as yourself. And We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Use this as a time to draw closer to a God who showed the ultimate gift of love, and in turn, take time to show that love to those God has placed in your life for a reason. (which could be a great number of people- "whose is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29))

And just so you know, I do love my dog and will most certainly be doing some cuddling with her on Valentine's day, as well as trying to steal kisses from an adorable 2 1/2 year old boy. :)

Proudly wearing pink on my soap box,

Ti-Ti