Valentine's Day

A lot of people already know the story of Saint Valentine.  He married Roman couples illegally, and was then martyred for it.  There's more to the story of course, but I didn't want to make that the main reason for my post today. 

Today is, as everyone knows, Valentine's Day.  It was originally created to honor the Saint and what he did.  But you walk into any store and you'll be surrounded by an entourage of red, pink, white, chocolate and little teddy bears.  We've clearly lost what Valentine's day is supposed to be about. 

So for the first two weeks of February, most girls are pining for that special someone to ask them out, or at least ask them to be their "valentine".  There are a lot of girls who wake up on the 14th disappointed because it didn't happen.  There's a lot of happiness, hugs, and kisses going on, but there are some people that are hurting on V-day.  I want to reach out to them. 

Imagine for a moment an older person whose spouse has just passed away.  Today is a painful reminder to them that their loved one is no longer with them.  It's almost as bad as the first anniversary or Christmas without them.  Imagine the young bride whose husband was killed overseas.  She spends her holiday in black instead of red.  She watches her friends go out with their significant others while she sits at home, missing him. 

Picture a man left holding his newborn child alone because his wife died due to complications.  Visualize the business man dressed in a sharp suit walking quickly from his office, but where to?  His girlfriend just left him for another man. 

For these people, Valentine's day is only a painful reminder of what they don't have anymore.  I could give countless other examples.  I'm not trying to squash the festivities and joys of the day, but please keep in mind that there are people out there who are hurting today more than usual.  Be sensitive, and try to reach out to someone you know who might be missing someone special, or someone who was hoping for one, but didn't get a chance.  This holiday represents love, and love doesn't always have to be between lovers.  It's between friends and family too. 

There's my musing for today.  I love you all, and have a happy valentine's day, wherever you are and whoever you're with.  <3