It’s just another day. Right?

So tomorrow is a day that some love, some loathe and some fear. Why? Good question. It’s just another day, right? Wrong. Valentine’s Day brings up memories, emotions and, for some, fear of their future. I remember a time when I dreaded the thought of February 14 making a round on the calendar. The worst was high school when everyone – EVERYONE – (okay, maybe not everyone) was getting flowers and balloons and candy. I specifically remember wanting to be “sick” just so I wouldn’t have to go to school. Anyone else?

Joe and I have been married 13 years. Joe is my second husband (hands down my favorite!) I got married the first time at the sweet, young age of 21. Y’all, I was NOT ready to be married at 21. It took me some years to realize, but looking back I got married to escape the reality of my life. I jumped from one burning ship to another. All I could see was the “glow”. I didn’t know it was because it was on fire! By the time I was 24 what I thought was my forever fairytale was over. My first husband left and I was devastated. Eventually relieved.

I had to navigate the burning ship to find my way to Joey. Yeah, it was painful, I had blisters from the burns and I still have the scars – healed scars. It was necessary. All of it was necessary. Here’s the thing though, if you get nothing more than the next couple sentences make sure you get them! Read this next part loud and clear. I did not go looking for, and I did not chase, a valentine. I was coming out of a period of shame and navigating fear. I was 24 and divorced. Who would want me? I was tainted. I must be undesirable. I mean, why would my husband be with another woman? What did I do wrong? Once I stopped carrying around this garbage and handed it over to the One that promised to carry it all, I was free to be who I was created to be. Then, and only then, did Joey enter the picture. You guessed it – another story for another day (and it’s a good one!)

Friend, maybe you are in a similar place. Maybe your spouse has walked away. Or maybe you have been alone so long you think you will be alone forever. Maybe Valentine’s Day brings up painful memories and every year you just want to sleep straight through this stupid made up day. I don’t have any magic words, and I can’t fix your situation. However, I can promise you that if you seek Jesus – the one that can fill the void in your broken heart – you will find that this Valentine’s Day won’t be so stinky. I speak from experience.

You are amazing. You are here for a purpose.

And puppies make great valentines!!!