An Open Discussion with The Few, The Proud, The Single

In love. Contemplate the above phrase. What is it? What does it look like? Can you lose it? What is its meaning in your life? Is there a person that comes to mind when you hear this term? Or does a big flashing sign appear in your mind that screams "SINGLE" followed by another flashing sign saying, "AND HATING IT!" Most likely, the context you associate with this phrase has romantic connotation. I don't know about you; but to me, this time of year feels like a tug of war between the happy couples "in love" and the single and passed out in a chocolate coma while watching Pride and Prejudice all night. Aw come on. Why's it gotta be like that, society? Single and non-single unite! Why does love have to be so divisive? This February 14th will mark the 25th Valentineless Valentine's Day in my life. Is that depressing? Maybe, haha. Mostly though, he...ck no! Let's call a spade a spade and say it's pretty much human nature to want what you don't have. You coveters, you (myself included). I've done my share of chocolate coma feeling sorry for myself. It's inevitable. Especially when you are watching your loved ones celebrating special relationships in their life. It's not the only way to celebrate a Holiday dedicated to love though and furthermore...who's to say that you're not in love and you just don't recognize the object of your affection? In my family, we have always celebrated Valentines Day together. As a kid, we would eat a nice home cooked meal together or exchange cards and treats. It was never lonely or depressing. It was a day that we set aside to show love for one another. I'm all grown up now and my parents still ask me to celebrate Valentines Day with them every year. I'll admit, the last couple years I was all like, "no. I don't want your Valentines Day pity". Haha, but that's because I'm a brat. Last year they were annoyingly persistent and I couldn't understand why they were forcing me to go on their V Day date with them. My dad kept saying that they "loved me and wanted to spend time with me". Likely story, dad. You just feel sorry for me. Lately, my life has undergone some changes. The main one being my eagerness to pursue a daily walk with my creator. In doing so, I am recognizing love in so many places in my life and it makes me wonder why I haven't understood the fullness and love that I have had before. When you concentrate so much on what you don't have. You miss what you actually do. This year I am pleased to reveal that I am IN LOVE. Details???? Numero uno, I am in love with my God. Try not to feel tricked. You weren't really expecting a break through in my dating life. :D I'm in love with His grace. His sufficiency. His glory. His beauty. His redemption. I am in love with my family, my friends, my 75 students, coworkers, random acts of kindness, encouraging words, music, nature, breathing, napping (haha), hugging someone you've truly missed, a thoughtful note, a funny joke, a wild and crazy puppy, wisdom from mentors, my community, pretty flowers etc, etc. I believe as long as you are committed; there is no falling out of love. It is a daily walk...an area of growth. Love others. Somedays you really won't like them, but love them regardless. It's an action. Not just just a state of mind or heart. Well, this year I think I've finally figured out why parents insist on my spending Valentine's Day with them. Ready???.... Apparently it's not to humiliate me, but it's actually because they love me! Go figure, right? I guess my folks still have one up on me. They are pretty special people. I'll admit it. This year, I am actually pretty stoked for V Day. I am going to have 75 little Valentines and celebrate our respect and kindness for one another ( school terms for showing love). They are precious and I can't wait to spend the day with them. They bring my life a great deal of joy and fulfillment. My freshmen year of college, Facebook was the new rage and someone started a group called, "The Few, The Proud, The Unengaged." Fast forward a couple years and nearly everyone got hitched. Weaklings. :) Really, though. Conrats guys! Happy for your special someones and the new journey in love you are on! Those of you that are still in that club or need to be initiated, please celebrate Valentines Day this year. Don't be a love scrooge. Love someone that day. Babysit for married friends, hang out with buddies, have a party with kiddos, make dinner for your roomie, wash someone's car. Wash my car. :) Call a sista' up if you're bored and want to celebrate God's love with me. The roomie and I are making dinner that night and hopefully we'll have a couch by then. That's all folks. Let me know your thoughts in the comments! <3 you