“Nana_Na_Na. Nana_Na_Na. Hey_Hey_Goodbye.”
If you are single, it is very likely you just can’t wait till February 15th. When the teddy bears come off the shelves and the roses fade away. When the impending anticipation of heart break and unmet expectations will end. And you once again can sing “good-bye” to a holiday that has reared its ugly head in your heart of hearts.
You might be wondering why in the world I am bringing it up.
In your imagination, you might be telling me off, with your hand to my face saying, “Whatever! Why are we even talking about this, Erin? You’ve been married, how long? 8 years. What do you know?”
Well, I am not desiring to dredge up pain or disappointment. I am not trying to get in the way of you burying your head and just making it through.
It is just that I experienced one of my best Valentine’s Days, SINGLE.
My girlfriends and I were sick of feeling outcast on said holiday. So instead of falling prey to lonely isolation, depressed emotions, and unfulfilled dreams, we went on the offensive – together.
We dressed up, set a magnificent table, ordered catering, and enjoyed the encouragement and vitality of friendship. Our fun didn’t end with dinner; we watched a movie, had a slumber party, even took the next day off work and went downtown Chicago to shop. It was one of my absolute Best Valentine’s Days on record.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do,
but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
Biblical sisterhood is a beautiful blessing and a life-giving gift straight from our Father. One we often take for granted or don’t enjoy to its fullest potential.
But when we take the time to gather together. And use that time to speak words of blessing and encouragement. To look for the strengths and potential in one another and to speak it. To build each other up rather than tear each other down.
Then we realize its potential to fulfill our soul’s need for love and encouragement.
In my season of life – wife, mom of 3 boys (ages 5 and under), housekeeper, cook, volunteer, chauffeur – I struggle to prioritize sisterhood. Despite being married, relationally, I feel the void of its loss. You too? Let’s change that.
This “V-day” rather than falling prey to an often empty holiday, let us focus on forging precious relationships that pour out the perfect love of God himself.
Make a coffee date with a friend and during that time look for ways to encourage and bless them.
Or gather a large group together and have a joy-filled dinner to celebrate one another.
Unexpectedly, we just might look back at this Valentine’s Day as our most fulfilling one yet.
© 2014 Erin Thompson
Erin Nicole Thompson is a Wife. Mama of 3. Grace-needing. Coffee-loving. People person. What you get is what you see or read. Looking to experience the extraordinary thru the ordinary. Presently, Erin is enjoying the new journey of writing real words to renew, refresh, and re-envision today’s women. She lives to dream and experience God as he writes her story. Visit her at ErinNicoleThompson.com.
