Why I Love Valentine's Day (even though I'm single)

3 billion search results on Google come up for one word: love. 253 million YouTube videos come up for one word: love. 895 million Instagram posts for one word: love. 551 mentions in the Bible (NIV) of one word: love. It’s kind of a big deal. And we have a whole day devoted to it (even if it has become a ‘Hallmark Holiday’)!

     Generally in society, we choose to celebrate romantic love on February 14- but why not celebrate love in general? Often I hear people say things like, “If only we could remember to be positive” or “If only we could just show each other love and acceptance.” February 14^th is set aside for those things!

I think that it is a pretty good day to appreciate the love that has been shown toward you. Maybe you have that friend that you always bail on but she never seems to mind and is always willing to reschedule- show her love on Valentine’s Day! Maybe you have a coworker who always seems to be there right when you need a third hand- show them love on Valentine’s Day! Maybe you have someone in your life who randomly shows up with coffee, doughnuts, and a listening ear- show that person love on Valentine’s Day!

We have a whole day set aside to celebrate people and the cool things that love represents. Maybe you’ll choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day by participating in the More Love Letters Mission (see here). Maybe you’ll choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day by doing some volunteer work. Maybe you just won’t choose to celebrate on the 14^th at all- and that’s okay- just remember to love yourself that day!

Now, I’m not hating on those of you who choose to celebrate “Singles Awareness Day” on February 14. I’ve been there with the loads of junk food and movies that have nothing to do with love. But in your “Singles Awareness Day” festivities- remember to love yourself! You’re the best you in the world!

Some of you have a significant other to celebrate with on Valentine’s Day- woohoo! Celebrate together! Celebrate the things that have brought you together, the experiences you’ve had, and appreciate every facet of the other person.

Lastly, people show love in lots of different ways. The way that you show love is usually described as your “love language” (take the free online quiz here). Find a way that fits in with what you feel comfortable with- and do it! Love is action!