If you’re like most single moms, there might be a certain year when Valentine’s Day is really rough. I recall after my divorce walking into the teachers’ lounge and hearing this conversation among my colleagues, “Well, what will you and your husband be doing on Valentine’s Day?” Ouch! I left that room in a slump.
But I didn’t stay there long. I discovered that Valentine’s Day presented itself as a magnificent opportunity for me to make the most of this day by thinking differently. I pondered, “Why settle for less when God has MORE? Why let circumstances define who we are when God has MORE? Why waste an opportunity and wallow in self-pity when God has more?”
With that in mind, here’s a good start when breaking through those Valentine’s Day mental challenges.
- Consider wholeness. True inner completeness that thrives is not based on marital status, family structure, possessions, or career titles. As a follower of Christ, all we need for life and godliness has already been granted. Jesus is our complete husband, complete forgiver, complete protector, complete overseer, complete comforter, complete guide into the future, complete healer. We don’t need a physical companion to fill our Valentine’s Day need for significance. In Christ we are already valued beyond measure.
- Reach outside yourself. Often we get swallowed up in the bubble that it’s all about me. Yet Jesus said it’s in the giving that we most receive. So why not make blessing our children, friends, and coworkers a top priority? Send surprise notes or texts of encouragement or think of other creative ideas. Acts of benevolence model what biblical stewardship in serving others looks like. It brings order to our purpose and emotions. It reminds us that we’re not in control, but we can choose to be a difference-maker to others. In it all, we discover the bounty of knowing we cannot out give God.
- Revel in the Father’s Love. Of all the days of the year to hear God’s whisper of affection, it’s Valentine’s Day. Sometimes we just need to open up the package of candied Valentine hearts from Him and digest them one by one:
- I Chews You – I am not distant. I am right here. | Matthew 28:20
- You’re Crushin’ It – I am enabling you to do all things. | Philippians 4:13
- I’m Stuck on You – I rejoice over you with singing. | Zephaniah 3:17
- You and Me forever – I am your most beloved companion. | Psalm 119:63
- Chill – I alone am the one who gives you peace at all times and in all ways. | Matthew 28:20
- I’ve Got This – I am your provider who is meeting all your needs. | Matthew 6:31-33
- I’m Bonkers Over You – It is my desire to overwhelm you in my love. | 1 John 3:1
Friend, with Valentine’s Day in clear view, we get to choose what we’ll do with it. When we consider that nothing in life ever stays the same, why not make this year a memorable one?
About Pam Kanaly
Aloha! I’m Pam Kanaly, President and co-founder of Arise Ministries. But actually, I think Arise found me wanting to bless single moms years ago. Ministry was never on my mind as a kid. All I wanted to be was a hula dancer. So Mother enrolled me in the tiny tots’ class. Guess God knew I’d have two grandbabies born in Hawaii. I love the great outdoors. You might even find me spending time with my husband grizzly bear watching or camping. In fact, it was on a turkey hunt that God gave me the name Arise Ministries in 2002. I suppose it’s a good thing that I majored in Grammar in college since I love to write words of encouragement to single moms.