Life Outside the Cage

Valentine’s Day – a holiday with many unmet expectations. Women disappointed in how their boyfriends and husbands said or didn’t say, “I love you.” Disillusioned singles wondering if the “right one” will ever come along. The aisles and aisles of heart-shaped candy, stuffed teddy bears, and sentimental cards only add to the dismay nestled within those 24 hours.

It is not one of my favorite holidays (except I really like those Russell Stover coconut candies) because it places too much emphasis on a specific day to share your feelings with the one who captured your heart.

If only this special occasion operated in my adult life the way it did in elementary school. A love-fest, complete with valentine cards from everyone in the class, scrumptious cupcakes, cherry Kool-Aid, and fun conversation heart candies, erupted in volcanic proportions. The day never consisted of discontent, loneliness, or jealousy. We were quite happy with our decorative cards depicting Superman, Animals, and Walt Disney characters.

I began to fortify myself for the dismal day, dreading the flower deliveries to others, the check-out lines stacked with boxes of chocolate candy, and the restaurants full of couples, when a little bubble-wrapped package arrived in my mailbox. Nestled within was a box of conversation hearts candy with a note:

Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

A little trickle of happiness flowed through my being. Not only did someone care enough to send encouragement, but God used them to remind me that I will share my day with the one who captured my heart: Jesus! He’s the best valentine ever. He never disappoints with the way he says, “I love you.”