Valentine's Day gets a pretty bad rap. At least, it seems so from the looks of my Facebook feed. I won't deny that I have at times been a Valentine's Day hater, but this year is different. Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about beating ourselves up over the one type of relationship we don't have at the moment (or, conversely, breathing a sigh of relief that we don't have that one type of relationship at this point in our lives). Rather, it can be about rejoicing in all the relationships we do have. Sure there are reasons to dislike Valentine's Day, perhaps the false images of what loving romantic relationships should entail, or a focus on commercialism (yes, I'll jump on that train)--but being "single" is not one of them. So why don't we take today as a reminder that we're super blessed- we have family, friends, and communities that lift us up.
Today I was thinking about how much work relationships are. I suppose there are some that come easy, perhaps with those friends that are soulmates- you can not see them for a few months and pick up right where you left off. They are almost effortless. But, by in large, most of our relationships take a good amount of effort- at least, they should. My work over here in Palestine and Israel is to build relationships, accompanying those around me through the good times and bad. It doesn't just happen- I have to work at it, push my boundaries, and sometimes make sacrifices.
So this Valentine's Day, let's not hate on people who are enjoying their romantic relationships. I don't care if Hallmark makes $27 billion in sales (I made that number up); let's be happy for our sisters and brothers who find themselves in romantic bliss this holiday. At the same time, let's not forget the wonderful, love and life-giving relationships we already have.
Let's not beat ourselves up because we don't have a +1.
Instead, let's give thanks for our +50.
Today I was thinking about how much work relationships are. I suppose there are some that come easy, perhaps with those friends that are soulmates- you can not see them for a few months and pick up right where you left off. They are almost effortless. But, by in large, most of our relationships take a good amount of effort- at least, they should. My work over here in Palestine and Israel is to build relationships, accompanying those around me through the good times and bad. It doesn't just happen- I have to work at it, push my boundaries, and sometimes make sacrifices.
So this Valentine's Day, let's not hate on people who are enjoying their romantic relationships. I don't care if Hallmark makes $27 billion in sales (I made that number up); let's be happy for our sisters and brothers who find themselves in romantic bliss this holiday. At the same time, let's not forget the wonderful, love and life-giving relationships we already have.
Let's not beat ourselves up because we don't have a +1.
Instead, let's give thanks for our +50.
Happy 25th Anniversary to two of my +50: Mom and Dad! You're an inspiration and I'm so grateful for all the experiences and life-lessons you've blessed me with (even the lessons about insurance ;) ).
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| Sharon and Keith on February 14, 1987. Look at those cute kids :) ...yes, I know. I look just like my parents. Happy Silver Anniversary! |
This is the best voice speaking about today that I've heard in a long time. I love you! (Also, it's Victoria. That should probably have come before my expression of love...but oh well.)
ReplyDeleteThanks Victoria! Love you, too! Also, I was inspired by this post by a friend: http://20somethingswag.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/obligatory-cynical-valentines-day-post/.
DeleteLOVE this post! You have such a way with words. And even for those who do have a +1, celebrating the +50 is so important too! I'm glad you're one of my +50. :) And btw, I love the pic of your parents...so cute! :)
ReplyDelete<3 Cait
Thanks, Cait! You're the best :) I'm so happy that you have a +1 and that both of you are in my +50!
DeleteYou are one in a million............<3 Mom and Dad
ReplyDeleteActually, I'm one in about 7 billion ;) Love ya Mom and Dad!
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