By Valorie Gonzalez  

Valentine’s Day has been named a national day of love and friendship.  On this day florists, jewelers, bakeries, restaurants are all very busy as husbands, wives, and lovers all prepare to share this romantic and intimate day typically with their significant other.  Throughout the years and just the other day I heard an individual say, “I’m in need of a sweetheart to share Valentine’s Day.”  That comment made me think.

As I sat down and reflected back to the twenty one years I’ve single parented, I can’t say I ever felt I needed a sweetheart or find  someone to spend this day with.  That is because, what greater love than the Lover of my Soul, Jesus…and what other sweethearts do I need than my children.  Since, they were just infants, they have always been the three I have set this day aside for…we have a candlelight dinner of their taste, whether it is at home some years or at a restaurant of their choice, we talk about years past…I tell them stories of when they were babies and we try to agree to a not so girly, but; family oriented movie we can all four enjoy.  On this day…the chocolates, balloons, cards, flowers, and candles go to my babies….it fills my heart with such joy.  I knew love, real true, unconditional love when I surrendered my heart and lifestyle to Christ Jesus (not church) …and I learned what it was to “be in love,” when I gave birth to each one of my children and held them in my arms.  So, I hold this day as just one symbolic day of displaying my love to them. I spend quality time in prayer thanking my heavenly father for his undying and unconditional love to me and I spend time with my three precious sweethearts reflecting on the joy they’ve brought to my life.

If you don’t have a spouse, lover, or even friend…remember, you always have the “Lover of your soul and a Sweetheart” for all of a lifetime to share this symbolic day with.

Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” (KJV), explains all Christ is to me.  When I feel I’m missing a husband, a partner in life, I reflect to this scripture and want for nothing.

Psalm 68: 4-6 “Sing to God, sing praise to his name. Extol him who rides on the clouds, his name is the Lord and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless and defender of the widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoner with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. (NIV)”

And remember to Just Breathe!

Reflection Corner:

1.) Have you spent enough time with Jesus? Just as any other relationship where you date and communicate with your better half to get to know them better, Christ wants to spend time with you.

2.) Stop and think, prior being blessed with a husband or a wife, Christ needs to see you nurture your current relationships…are you and have you dedicated yourself and committed to your children and co-parented with HIM?

3.) Do you trust him with all of you?