a different valentine

Every year, when February 14th rolls around, I find all those around me aligning themselves with one of two groups: the pro-valentine traditionalists and the anti-valentine revolutionaries. The traditionalists prep themselves by going all out, creating the perfect Hallmark valentine's day experience while burning a serious hole in their wallet, while the revolutionaries scope out the hottest parties to get trashed and laid. (Those who don't go out secretly wish they could.) I, however, do not identify myself with either group and find them both rather appalling. Supporters of Valentine's Day in this day and age feed the incessant and increasing commercialism of our society, and the rowdy members of the S.A.D. club take they're whining a little too far. Thus, Valentine's Day has been reduced to a day of high expectations and bitter disappointments...all in hopes of finding a little bit of lovin' in this world.

For the past six years that Valentine's Day has meant something to me, I've perceived and celebrated this ridiculous holiday a little bit differently. No matter if I'm single, taken, or somewhere in between, no matter who showers me with glamorous gifts and flowers, I've chosen to make Valentine's Day a day about others, more specifically, those other than my significant other. I believe that it doesn't take a nationally marked holiday for a couple to give to each other. Valentine's Day shouldn't be the reason for buying flowers or cooking a significant other breakfast in the morning. And Valentine's Day shouldn't be a day to have higher expectations of grand gestures for someone whom you care so much about. Giving should be a daily routine. My Valentine's Day celebration is a celebration of my love for friends, for family, for random people that I've come to appreciate but forgotten about over time. It's a day for baking cookies for people who least expect it; for sharing a laugh with those who aren't on the top of your list of priorities most of the time; for thanking those you take for granted; for loving those who are hardest to love. Rather than an excuse to buy extravagant gifts, party, or have sex in new positions, Valentine's Day is my excuse to bring smiles and a little more happiness to those who need it most.

I think that's how Christ sees not only Valentine's Day, but each and every day.

Happy Valentine's Day. <3>