I used to hate Valentine’s Day. I never got all the dozens of roses, the cute stuffed animal or the boxes of candy. I just wasn’t the girl who had the guys flocking all over her — I know hard to believe isn’t it?
So, I was a conscientious objector. I didn’t like Valentine’s Day — it didn’t seem to matter to those with a significant other in their life and it served to make all the single people of the world feel sad and lonely.
Not the plan, I’m sure. I think the plan had something to do with selling lots of pink and red stuff to people everywhere. And chocolate, but chocolate is not bad. Ever.
I walked through Target today and was bombarded with pink and red STUFF! It’s not just candy and cute stuffed animals. There were dish towels — why? Just don’t think I want heart embossed pink and red dish towels. Nope. Chocolate is much better. There were pink and red (with hearts all over) vinyl table cloths — can we just go red (and then we’ll just reuse that one from Christmas?) and skip the whole vinyl thing?
There were these MASSIVE over-sized pink pillows — which are cute if you’re 12, but if you’re 12 you don’t need a boy buying you a big ol’ pink pillow. He can just give you that snazzy Valentine’s card out of his Star Wars cards. The big one.
There were canisters, plates, cups, bowls, and all manner of STUFF. Economic downturn? Apparently no one mentioned that to the crew at Target today. And there was very little left in the pink and red section — it was really picked over. I saw lots of little kids STUFF. Hey, what happened to you get a bag of Valentine cards and that’s just the best EVER. Particularly when you have that super cool Mom who sends the little bags of M&M’s. LOVE her.
Okay, didn’t mean to go down that path. But people please — will we just buy anything?
I really had a point to this post, but I lost it in all the Valentine’s Day rant… not that I rant, but let’s call it — discussion. Okay.
Ohh, and I’m posting later on the new website! I’m excited about this transition. New stuff coming down the road. God is so good to me. He just blows me away.
Let me leave you with this scripture.
And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. (Eph 3:19 MSG)
Enjoy the love of Christ!! It happens every moment of every day and it doesn’t even require a sappy card or chocolates. Although chocolate is always good. Always.
Happy Pink and Red Heart Day!!
This is so funny – I was just in Target yesterday, myself, and was thinking exactly the same thing! Truly, does our ENTIRE HOUSE need to be decorated? I mean, where was the roses-and-hearts garland and the strands of heart-shaped red lights to festoon our mantels?? What about a lamp with a cupid base? If we’re going to have Valentine hand towels, dishes and pillows, why not go all the way?!
Wow. Didn’t know I felt so strongly about all that. Sheesh. Sorry.
I almost titled my post today Happy HEART Day. We went to Target this week for Valentines for the boys to take to school. I had to laugh at the cake mixes and stuff they had moved up to where the kids valentines are. Marketing geniuses.
One sweet story. The 37 yr. old school nurse at our school was widowed almost three years ago when her husband died of cancer. One of the teachers and her husband brought Shana 2 dozen red roses to tell her they loved her and knew her valentine did as well. It was precious. This teacher had known the husband and also choose to be a blessing. I loved that yesterday. It was a testimony of what I need to be doing.
Love and hugs, J
Thanks for the sweet story Jill. I should do more of this and less whining about how I don’t like Valentines Day!!
Love it! Love your commentary. I did a cool walk this morning for the American Heart Association. Oh, and I started a blog! You were part of my inspiration, you have to check it out and I can’t wait to see you in Pigeon Forge!!