Valentine's Day

It is Valentine's day. A day filled with gifts. Gifts of chocolate, flowers, balloons and more. A day where people remember to take special notice of the ones they love. A day when those that are single sometimes feel the sting of that status. There is so much emphasis on being in love, falling in love and finding that perfect mate. There is so much emphasis on it that some people settle for someone that isn't right or doesn't love them back, just so that there is someone "there."

I spent a lot of time in my life searching for someone to love me for me. For someone to see inside of my soul and accept me just the way I am. I think that it is hard to find. You may find that love, but until you truly love yourself, you won't be able to accept it. If you are unsure of yourself, constantly suffering with doubt and feelings of negative self worth, you won't understand why someone could love you unconditionally. If you don't love yourself, your negative feelings outweigh the positive love that someone may feel for you.

Someone's love cannot save you, like the movies imply. You must first save yourself. A kiss from a stranger will not suddenly wake you up to some fairytale ending. The world just doesn't work that way.

There is only one that will love you unconditionally, that is waiting for you before you even know He is there. God's love is full, complete, perfect. He loved you before you were born, and will love you for all eternity. He loves you when you make mistakes, and He delights in your triumphs.

Don't go out there looking for the perfect love until you love yourself. For a bonus, accept love that is given freely without strings from a God that thinks you are perfect just the way you are.