Valentine's for Singles - Pt 1

Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the Lord; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. (Psalm 68:4-6 ESV).

I am well aware that there is a balanced demographic to the readers of Morning Devotionals. So, it may feel strange for me to dedicate the next few days to writing under the title of “Valentine’s for Singles.” However, it is no stranger that the holiday itself. G.K. Chesterton saw the oddness of it with his remark that “there seems to be a comic incongruity in such lively and frivolous flirtations still depending on the title of an ascetic and celibate bishop.” Some may not know that February 14th is the feast day of the Patron of love, happy marriages, and youths, known as Saint Valentine. Though much of the information about his life in uncertain, this priest lived in the third century and was martyred. Church history teaches that he was arrested and sent to Rome because of his persistent will to convert people to Christianity. According to the story, he was also arrested for marrying Christian couples, which was seen as a crime as well. He was given the choice of renouncing his faith or dying. He refused to renounce Christ, so on February 14th he was martyred. Some also report he cured his jailer’s daughter of her blindness, leaving her a note, saying, “Your Valentine” on the day he was to die. And thus the holiday was born. Valentine’s Day remains a massively popular holiday in America, despite the fact that many people don’t simply consider the day strange, but dread it all together. For some, the day is too commercialized, though many who cringe at Valentine’s Day are simply lonely. Valentine’s Day is not an easy or light thing to face as a single person. The love-themed movies, charming cards, and chocolate hearts can easily make one feel sad and tired. But for Christians, married or single, it is a day that can be used to enjoy God’s gifts of contentment, fulfillment, and hope. These are the gifts that Christ died to purchase for us, whether we’re single or married. We’ll be more specific in the coming days; however, here are some suggestions for taking the edge off your loneliness this year. Show your friends and family how much you love them by sending cards or gifts. As a single person, you can make an enormous impact. Volunteer to babysit for a married couple, while they enjoy a romantic evening out. Pray for and write letters to your future mate. Make (or purchase) cookies to take to the older singles in Convalescent Homes. Many of them will be alone on this day. Pour yourself into others. It will amaze you how this will positively affect your attitude.