It’s Valentine’s Day.

This year I see Valentine’s Day through a different lens.  Last year Valentine’s Day was very painful for me.  My compassion and empathy meters are going off today for single moms and dads or those who are going through a rough time in their marriage.

If this describes your current situation, you need to know you are not alone.

I remember last year’s Valentine’s Day very well. On February 14, I clung to my own personal valentine messages from God alone. Here are some of the words that I soaked into my heart:

  • For God so loved ________ (insert your name), He gave His only-begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
     
  • Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains…How priceless is your unfailing love. Psalm 36:5-7
     
  • God’s love endures forever. Psalm 118:1
     
  • I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
     
  • For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:38-39

If you’re happily married, Valentine’s Day usually prompts some sort of intentionality in your marriage. However, once a year intentionality isn’t enough. Marriage is hard work. It takes time and effort.

While Valentine’s Day isn’t enough, it is a great time to launch intentionality into your relationship. What if this year on February 14, you set some realistic goals for your marriage?

Here are some commitments other couples have made:

  • We will go out as a couple regularly (once a week, every other week, once a month).
     
  • We will set aside $____ for an annual overnight getaway as a couple.
     
  • We will turn off the television and step away from the computer every night at ____ PM to talk and snuggle in bed.
     
  • We will stay in touch with each other throughout the day with texting.

Or you can choose to make some personal commitments such as:

  • I will affirm my husband at least once a day.
     
  • I will shut my mouth when I am tempted to criticize.
     
  • I will tell my husband I believe in him.
     
  • I will put my marriage before my kids.

Whatever circumstances you find yourself in this Valentine’s Day, you can make the most of it. Don’t let Valentine’s Day be a once-a -year experience.   Allow it to motivate you to draw closer to God and closer to the one you love throughout the entire year!

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