Ignorant Historian

I have a date tonight.

Okay, okay, so it’s just with a former roommate, the one who just got married on New Year’s. But her husband is graciously allowing me to spend time with her on Valentine’s Day as she “owed” me Chinese and a movie for my birthday (yes, that was 2 months ago…it’s been a crazy 2 months for both of us!).

Really, though, I could care less that I don’t have a “real” date. I still like Valentine’s Day for it’s pink and red, flowers, and chocolates.

While I still want to be married (I’m sure that thought comes to my mind almost daily), that desire does not rule my life. It’s there, but I go on living my single life, enjoying each day (well, most of them!). I could see how I could continue to spend the rest of my life single and enjoy it. I have hopes,  plans, and dreams for my future regardless of my marital status.

I guess I’m just not identifying myself by the “s” word as much as I used to. So many other things about me are more important than my lack of attachment. In fact, being single allows me to have more time and resources to serve others. Perhaps Paul was right when he said,

“The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:34 NASU

And right now, I’m enjoying working out this verse.

Photo by sifone

Though I can hardly believe it’s that time again, Valentine’s Day is this weekend. Usually I’m more excited about it, but between the weddings and tax season I haven’t had a lot of time to think about it.

I know a lot of singles like to mope on this day. While that might sadly be me on other occasions, I have always enjoyed Valentine’s Day.  What’s not to love about a day full of chocolate, pink, flowers, and cards?  I love to use this time to show love for others: my family, my friends, and in particular, fellow single ladies.

Though I haven’t yet gotten into this season, I do hope to spend an extra few minutes loving others, and I hope you will to.  Have a great weekend!

Dear Diary,

Man, do I have a story for you! Yesterday, I was working [at Walmart]. I was in a really good mood because I had a short shift and it was Valentine’s Day. One lady came through and at the beginning of her large order she placed hangers from a couple of bras next to my register. One had the barcode on it, so I (kindly, I thought) asked her to place that hanger with the bras. She refused, griped and generally assumed that I’m a mean, spiteful person who is incredibly unreasonable and selfish and let me know. She told me if there was anything broken or smashed she would know I did it out of spite. Anyway, she thought I intentionally hurt her with the carousel when she kept pushing it around and I stopped it. She cried for management and filed a report. Sean, a SM [support manager, I think] told me he knew it wasn’t me, as did the AM [associate manager] Darren. It really hurt me when she was yelling at me and it made me cry. Later, when Dana and I were talking about it she told me she thought it was a good experience for me because I generally don’t let myself get hurt by words. I agree it was a good, yet definitely not fun, experience.

Painfully,

Ronnica

Since I’m single, you might find it odd that I love Valentine’s Day. However, I think it’s a great opportunity to tell others you care about them, and more importantly, that God loves them more than anyone else ever could.

I know for many of my single friends, Valentine’s Day is a time of mopiness and loneliness. While ultimately the desires of our hearts will only be filling Christ regardless of our relationship status, there are things we can do to help out those who feel blue while seeing everyone else pair up while they are the cheese left all alone. (A former roommate of mine would say this everytime a good friend of hers got married, referring to “The Farmer and the Dell”…and now she is married too!)

One way you can brighten up Valentine’s Day for a single friend of yours is by showing special kindness to them: a card, lunch, flowers, candy, phone call, etc. By especially thinking of them at this holiday, you allow Christ to show His love for them through you. Like I said before, you cannot replace the love that they crave, however you can be an instrument to the true source of love and belonging.

Considering others on Valentine’s Day works for me!

Oh, and that offer is still on the table. Feel free to make me write on something weird or something you don’t think I have the guts to talk about.

I love Valentine’s Day. It’s all pink, and chock-full of cards, and flowery, and overflowing in chocolate, and packed with hearts, and just plain girly. Sure, I’m single. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be a full-fledged participant in this holiday!
For the last several years, I have made it a plan to send valentines to my single friends. I know that there are many who find this day entirely depressing and it heightens their longing for a man to show them love. I’m so glad that that’s not what being single is all about!
I’m not saying that every single girl should look forward to this day as much as I do, but it is a special opportunity to reflect on the greatest love gift we’ve ever received: new life through Jesus’ work on the cross.
May God show you anew His love for you! Happy Valentine’s Day!