I posted, in pieces and then in its entirety the "love passage" from 1 Corinthians as my status on facebook today. I did this because I have been staring at February 14th on the calendar ever since I turned my calendar from January to February. Whether single, married, divorced, widowed, dating... we live in America and February 14th has been "designated" the day to express this romantic love to your significant other. For some of us this is a sad day, others embrace it as "God is love" day. Others express love to all their friends on this day. There is no right or wrong as far as I'm concerned, it is what it is.
Last year was the first Valentine's Day I had a significant other. It was a day like many days for us, our plans were canceled as he was called to work unexpectedly. This was just one chance of many I had to show my love for David - understanding that he had to do what he had to do and knowing that my love for him wasn't dependent on whether or not we had dinner together that night.
I have never learned more about love than I have over the past year. For the first time in my life I truly loved another in this way. I gave my heart completely and loved even when it was hard and when others told me to give up. I still love him. I always will.
My encouragement to all my friends this month and every month; on Valentine's Day and every day - remember what love is and what love isn't. Love isn't just some giddy emotion or an excitement in the pit of your stomach. It isn't the flutter of your heart when you see them across the room. Love is a commitment, love is a choice. Love is through good and bad. Love is no matter what.
If you are blessed to have a love like this, cherish it, treasure it, don't take it for granted. If someone has given you their heart in this way, handle it with care - love them as you want to be loved. Remember, love isn't easy, but it is worth it.