How could anyone not be aware that today is Valentine’s Day?! I have such conflicting feelings with this day that has been blown out of proportion and pushed by the gift industry as a way to make TONS of money on cards, flowers, candy, and really large, fluffy stuffed animals that usually end up stuffed in the back of the closet or under the bed. On one hand, I think it’s wonderful to take a day to celebrate love and to make it a point to take time to spend with the special people in your life and show them you love them. On the other, much larger, hand, I truly believe every day should be “Valentine’s Day.” Why do we have to wait for one day to roll around on the calendar every year before we can buy flowers or chocolate for someone, tell someone we love them, do something nice for someone, or make it a point to spend time with the people we love? These actions should be ones that we show daily and that come from feelings of genuine love for others, not from feelings of guilt, fear, or a sense of duty that is brought on by the day.

This is especially true when you’re talking about a marital relationship. And speaking in terms of a marriage, don’t actions characteristic of Valentine’s Day mean more when they’re committed out of the blue on an average day and not on a day that’s been permanently imprinted on the calendar as a national love others holiday? Wouldn’t you rather your spouse bring you flowers because they want to and not because it’s expected of them simply because it’s February 14^th? Wouldn’t you rather have a husband who will surprise you with a special dinner because he wants to spend time with you and not because it’s expected of him on this one day? So strive to have (or one day have) a marriage relationship that is so rich in love, devotion, and cherishing that you always treat each other as if every day is Valentine’s Day.

Now, what about those who refer to this sometimes dreaded day as “Single’s Awareness Day?” I hated looking on Facebook this last week and seeing all the girls who complained every day about not having a Valentine. So many women wallow in this self-pity and suffer from low self-esteem simply because there’s not a boy around to spoil them this one day of the year. (And remember, we are not to define ourselves by the boys we do or do not date!!!!) Well I’m here to tell you that there is one Valentine who is WAY better than any man on the planet! He committed the ultimate act of love when He died on the cross with the weight of the WORLD on His shoulders to save you from your sins. Not only did He die for you once, but He loves you that much every single day because His love is constant. It doesn’t change. Not to mention, He SHOWS you that intense love every day. He doesn’t have to wait for one day in February to roll around every year. He wakes you up every morning and puts breath in your lungs. He paints you a beautiful sunrise every morning and a sunset every evening. He gives you beautiful sunshine, flowers, and trees to see, and a symphony of birds to listen to every day. He gives you so many blessings and surprises every day, most of them we do not recognize or even thank Him for. But does that ever stop Him? Absolutely not! This Valentine will never let you down, make you cry, leave you, or do something so stupid and insensitive you want to run him over with your car. Yes, Jesus is the ultimate Valentine. So when Valentine’s day rolls around every year, regardless of whether or not you’re unattached or with someone, regardless of whether or not you’re being swept off your feet or sitting at home in your sweats eating chocolate in front of the TV, remember who your true Prince is and remember how great and intense His love is for you.

And remember, that every day is an opportunity to show the people in your life how much you love them. Don’t just wait for February 14^th to show love to others; seek those opportunities every day!