To the Girl Who Hates Valentine's Day

Sister,

I know. You're one of the many that has this date circled on her calendar, but not for the reason that people think. It's a day you pretty much stay off of social media, and nine times out of ten the only reason you get on it is to make a slightly passive-aggressive joke about your singleness (see my status about coffee, pizza, and my bed being my true valentine). It's the day that if you're really lucky to have an awesome Dad, you'll get flowers but not from a cute boy (but shout-out to all the boss dad's out there). This day- one that is supposed to be filled with declarations of love- leaves you feeling empty.

It's not that you haven't been in love because you have. You've felt the butterflies. You've been head-over-heels for a guy who you thought was the best. Then, heartbreak set in when things ended; and, you look at everyone around you celebrating love and you think, "I wish..."

I'm right there with you. As hopeful as I am that SOMEDAY I'll find that person who makes me giddy and who I want to be around for the rest of my life, that is not the story of my life at the moment. And if I hear one more person say to me, "Jesus loves you always, especially today," I will punch them in the face. I know that my worth, identity, and true source of love comes from Him; but, on a day that it feels like everyone has someone except for you- those words cut deep.

I'm not going to tell you what you already know-- that Jesus loves you. You don't need my voice to echo those of others who have told you that year after year. I'm going to tell you that you are not alone in your hurt. You're not alone in your wanting of that relationship. You're not alone in feeling alone, in your questioning, in your desire. There are strong, beautiful, fun, capable women- just like you and me- who feel the same thing you do. Satan wants to make us feel like we're alone in our struggles. He loves to isolate us and make us feel unworthy.

But you are so worthy. You will find that person, and when you do the wait will be worth it. You'll wonder how things ever were the way they were before that person. That's why people celebrate today. But I see you. I understand because I'm right there with you.

It's easy to get discouraged today. It's easy to look around you and compare your inner life to everyone else's outward appearance. No one is perfect. No relationship is perfect. So live today like you would any other. Drink your coffee. Laugh. Go be a boss at your job. Go to the gym. Read a book. Binge watch Netflix. Live loved and give love in return.

Happy Valentine's Day, beautiful.