My Lifetime Valentine

This was the first Valentine's Day I've had a boyfriend.  In elementary school, it didn't matter I never had a special "friend" because the games, mandatory class valentines, crafts, and candy covered up February 14th's true meaning. Even in middle school, I could care less about having a boyfriend since most middle school boys were pretty disgusting (sorry guys). But, ever since I hit high school, Valentine's Day has been an almost dreaded holiday.  I've loved exchanging flowers and gifts with my girlfriends, but no matter what I planned with my friends, every Valentine's Day has reminded me how boyfriendless I actually am (well, up until now).

 

But the thing is, I've had a guy all along, a guy whose selfless love beats the love of my parents, my best friends, and even my current boyfriend.  You probably already know where I'm going with this, but that guy is Jesus.  Before I was even born, Jesus loved me enough to die for me, buying my ticket into heaven (if I choose to believe and follow Him).  I don't know about you ladies, but that gift is the greatest gift I've ever received from a man.  But Jesus didn't leave his gift there.  Instead of Jesus saying something like, "Yeah, I'm the best guy around.  No other guy can ever hold a candle to me," leaving us women to be disappointed by every other man we come across, Jesus taught men (and us) how to love.  1 John 4:19 says, "We love because He first loved us."  Our fathers, boyfriends, grandfathers, uncles, friends, and brothers show us love because of the example Jesus set on the cross.

 

I am always blown away by the incredible amount of love my dad, grandpa, and boyfriend give me. I'm a sinner; I sin all the time.  But, my dad, grandpa, and Nick choose to see past my sin and love me for who I am, just like Jesus. That blows me away. I'm also blown away with the amazing Valentine's Day my boyfriend planned for me.  Nick cooked an authentic Italian dinner, brought me flowers, made me gifts, and even watched The Vow with me!  It was by far the best Valentine's Day I've ever had, and I am so thankful Nick shows me love through the example of Jesus. But ladies, whether or not you also spent Valentine's Day with a significant other, remember that Jesus will ALWAYS be our lifetime valentine, no matter what. 

*Photo Credit: Jody Otabara