VDay

Today's Valentine's Day. Around me, there are girlfriends knee deep in flowers and declarations of love and than those who are not. On the whole, this day is not the single girls friend. Here's the confession though - I have never had a great Valentine's day when I have been in a relationship. Ever. Different reasons for different years. There was the year we were on the fast track to calling it quits and going through the motions. Or another year that I received a crock pot as a present (and if you are wondering, we did not last long after this). Or other years that the hype just didn't match the day.

The truth is, that we put a lot of focus on love on a day, that in essence, is a bit ironic, because you should be showing that you care for this person the rest of the year too, right?

Anyway, I have found it an interesting day to watch my other single girlfriends. For many, it is a day full of angst and loathe; it is the day that calls out their greatest desire and that they still don't have it and they find themselves depressed and self medicating with chocolate. And for others, its just another day. Admittedly, I have been in both camps, but I am in a season that yes, my desire is to eventually get married and have a family one day, but I am grateful also for the season God has me in too.

The truth is, as I walked through Target on Saturday, I was grateful that I did not have to pick up that card, and figure out that perfect present and outfit. I looked around me and I saw people rushing around trying to figure out the final details. It was reminiscent of the final moments of Christmas Eve. And I was just enjoying the day...

But, I do also think the key is not the choreographed plans and stuff that comes with it, but the meaning behind it too. I was talking with a friend recently and we were saying the best gifts we have ever received were the ones that maybe didn't cost a lot but touched the core of who we are, the most recent for me, being some cd's a bestie burned for me. They know I love music and introduced me to some new music which has stayed in constant rotation since.

But for the record:
I will never turn down roses, but I would rather have some hydrangeas, tulips, or some wildflowers.
I don't need a Hallmark card, I need the words though - but I am fine if they are written on a scrap piece of paper. I will save it forever.
I don't need a fancy restaurant, in fact I prefer the hole in the wall or cooking together.
I don't need a choreographed event - we could play a game, watch a movie, even play a game of putt putt. For me, my love language is time, not the price you spent.

Which brings me back to this point - all of the above preferences, those closest to me could tell you this stuff. Maybe not the exact preference on the flowers, but the rest, they would tell you in a heartbeat. And, I am blessed to have a handful of dearest around me that know the core of who I am and love me in these ways all year long, and for that I am grateful.

So what am I doing tonight? Having a yummy dinner with a dear friend. A girl couldn't ask for better plans.