Has it ever happened to you that there are days when you go to social media and it seems like all the posts remind you of something that you would like to have but you still don't?
It happens to me, more often than I would like. It happened to me on Valentine's day, as expected. All week I saw gift ads, couples giveaways, photos of friends with their significant other. And I felt that mixture of envy, frustration and sadness in my heart.
It is the first time in many years that I do not have a partner on Valentine's day. The first time that no one gives me flowers or a gift in a romantic sense. And honestly, it felt weird.
Has something similar happened to you? Does what society shares make you feel like something is missing? Like you're not part of the club? Like you're falling behind in your life?
Friend, I understand you. That's just how I felt.
But I just read a post on Instagram from a woman I really admire called Elyse Murphy. She wrote that the enemy loves it when we start comparing ourselves. He expects us to surf through social media long enough to feel lonely and indulge in self-pity.
“But just because you're single doesn't mean you're alone. Just because Valentine's Day is marketed toward romance doesn't mean you can't celebrate love. And just because you don't have a partner doesn't mean you're insignificant. You can change the narrative. Why not try something that will help you create new memories?” - Elyse Murphy
So I changed my plans to lie down all day, eat ice cream, watch romantic movies (probably with a few tears), and I decided to make plans with a friend.
My day began with a surprise gift from my sister and my mother, always the most thoughtful. I exercised and dressed up like I was going out on an important date (in the end it was).
I went to church, where God reminded me that He is my greatest love. I had lunch with my friend, who opened her heart about things that cause her pain in her life, and I realized that it was always God's plan for us to share that day together. And I ended up spending the evening with my family.
What did I learn? I learned that no one gave me flowers, but that love is more than having a partner, it's taking care of myself, it's loving my family, it's having friends to share with, but above all, it's having God. And so, my Valentine's day ended up having another meaning.
No one gave me flowers, but God gave me everything.
And if you have felt the same way as I did, I want to remind you that the details and the love you are looking for is what God gives you every day.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
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