Valentine's Day!

Well, it's here, that age old holiday ... valentine's day. February 14th evokes different emotions for each person. Some people flat out hate it, either because they think it's over commercialized or because it reminds them they are 'alone' (hello Singles Awareness Day, aka SAD). For others, they love it and go all out, with sappy cards, candle-lit dinners, fancy gifts and hearts galore. This is not to say there isn't a happy medium of an impartiality of sorts, there is. Where do I stand you may ask. Somewhere in the midst of everything. But as I stand there in the middle of the crazy rush, I watch all the people swirl by and I'm struck by some of the things I see. Some of the people I see are so 'in love' that they can't take their eyes (or hands) off each other long enough to make sure their relationship is built on something stable. Some throw themselves into the fray, clinging to their new found love while still looking back to their friends. Others are perfectly content to watch people spin off into the crazy cycle of love, but others aren't quite so accepting. I see some people who stand off to the side, the look of longing in their eyes speaks of a deep sadness and sense of being left all alone. As the madness continues to swirl past my heart goes out to every person I see. For those whose relationship isn't built on something that will last, I wish they would realize that a relationship is so much more than a physical attraction, it's about a deep, long lasting friendship. My heart sings for those who have found a best friend and are now in love with them and I wish them all the best. I applaud those able to stand by and patiently wait for The One, I know their patience will be rewarded. Those who are lonely and feel left out, who feel like a hopeless case, my heart breaks for them. I wish I could tell them to be patient, that The One will come eventually, and that in the meantime, there is a love that will sustain them and never leave them. That is God's love. It is always present. Every day of our lives, God is there, loving us every step of the way. It's too bad that so many people are so caught up in being in a relationship and that it seems the only way to be fulfilled is by having a boyfriend or girlfriend. We can't forget that God's love is really the only thing that will completely satisfy us. No relationship can give us true happiness unless God has a place in that relationship too. On this valentine's day I hope you've been told that you are loved, because you need to know that you are. You are always loved. In fact, you are loved by the very one who created you, how amazing is that!? Know that in His great love for us, God has created a plan for each and every person. We need to trust in His boundless love and mercy, He will not neglect us. Even when you feel doomed to be an old spinster, a crazy cat lady or a old and lonely man, don't give up hope. God will guide you to exactly where you are suppose to be. We should never forget how loved we are ... but too often, we do. So if you're feeling alone, unwanted or unloved this valentine's day (or any other day of the year for that matter) know that there is someone who loves you, someone whose love will never falter, never fail, never end. To God, every day might as well be valentine's day because every day He shows us just how much He loves us. And that should be more than enough.
<3

The snow's here!

Today is a good day. Outside the snow is falling and sitting in the library in campus ministry sipping my tea, I feel pretty happy. Today PC canceled all classes, I got to sleep in and just now, as it approaches 3 o'clock, I'm getting settled in to work on some homework. Watching the snow fall wet and cold from the sky I am reminded of my childhood. Running around outside in my snowsuit, laughing and catching snowflakes on my tongue, sledding and making snow angels with my sisters. I look back fondly on the events of my younger years and half of me wishes I could go back to the good old days. The days of no homework, more sleep and just being carefree. But, as much as I would enjoy sleeping and having no big responsibilities, I wouldn't trade in what I have now for any of that. I used to look forward to the future in fear and wish I could stay a child forever. Now I see the folly of my childish wishes. I love my college life. It wouldn't be complete without the long nights of homework, and little sleep. But my friends and I still find ways to act like children again. Whether it's throwing food at each other at dinner, telling silly jokes or watching disney movies and singing along with all the songs, we find a way to release the child in us. The life I lead now is nothing like what it envisioned it would be, but I absolutely love it! Sometimes we find that God's plans for us are ten million times better than our wildest dreams. Sitting here in campus ministry, like I do so many times a week, I find that my reality is better than my dreams, perhaps that's why I don't sleep anymore. . .