February 14th conjures up images of love and romance. Yet, some of us have only memories to hold on grasp. Yet others have reminders of broken promises, emotional abandonment, and worse.
I ask myself, “How do I celebrate this special day of love without the one I love?”
My heart, which still bursts with love, now feels heavy with pain akin to unrequited love. As much as I love my spouse, I will never hear him/her say those words, “I love you,” which would melt my heart. My memories bring me comfort and pain all at once. Therefore, that is not a place I can linger. The unfailing love of my spouse was only promised to me “until death did us part;” all anticipation of eternal love can only be renewed when we meet in eternity. And we will.
Hopelessness and sadness could be the hallmarks of this and every future Valentine’s Day unless I decide not to let it be so.
Amid my loneliness, I celebrate love – the love I once had, the love I continue to feel in my heart, the love I feel for those I still have in this world, and the only unfailing eternal love: the love of God.
There will be sadness mingled with joy. But, I am thankful that I once loved and was loved in a way that some can only experience in their dreams.
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day – even if it is not all you hoped for, even if it is not perfect, because what you once had and what you continue to have are worth celebrating. He who made you in His image with a heart full of tenderness, compassion, and sacrificial love deserves the honor of knowing you will not deny the personality and character he placed within you.
On this Valentine’s Day, if you have had the privilege of being loved well, celebrate the one who loved you well and the blessing you’ve had of being loved by that person. You are deserving of agape love as was modeled by the Almighty. Celebrate such love.
Promise yourself this Valentine’s Day not to let the flame die out.
‘Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.’
- Song of Solomon 8:6
‘Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.’
- Robert Frost
‘Love is a gross exaggeration of the difference between one person and everybody else.’
- Oscar Wilde
You can write Cynthia Mascarenhas at: [email protected]
