February has come and is just about gone. Over the years I’ve grown to appreciate the month in new ways. I’ve lived outside of the desert of Phoenix, Arizona long enough now to appreciate some patterns in our weather cycles here in Atlanta. In Phoenix, Arizona, where our four seasons were mild, warm, hot, and unbearable, we reached a record high of 123 when I was in high school, and I remember standing at the bus stop that day because the heat and sweating were just normal. Here in Atlanta, where the weather is less predictable and much more changeable, I know that no matter what happens on Groundhog Day, I shouldn’t put away the heavy jacket until February is fully over. We sometimes get our heaviest snow in February.
Other things about February are as unpredictable as the weather. If you’re single, you can’t predict whether you’ll be in a strong love pattern or a weak love pattern in February. Come to think of it, you might not even be able to predict this if you’re in a marriage or otherwise stable romantic relationship. For singles, February or Valentine’s Day in particular may be a reminder of a love that didn’t last or any other stinging heartbreak. The happiness of couples around you may inspire envy of others or even anger toward God for the romantic love you may not be currently experiencing.
Those feelings of longing are warranted. We all want to be loved. We want to be loved unconditionally, not for our looks, our performance, or any external thing that we produce. We want to be loved for the internal things that make us who we are. I will be the first to admit that most of the time, my husband loves me well, my children love me well, and I’ve felt strong love from my mother, extended family and good friends of many years. But it’s also true that I never feel as loved as when I think of the ways I’m accepted and loved by God. Whenever I read phrases like “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you” (James 4:8), “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart”(Psalm 37:4; Isaiah 58:14), “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord shall take me up” (Psalm 27:10), “The very hairs of your head are all numbered…” (Matthew 10:30), “But God demonstrates his love for us in that while you were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Those passages fill me with warmth and joy–the unique type of love I experience by being in right standing with God. That love is fulfilling, and it empowers me. It makes me feel like I can do anything, like I’m the most special woman in the world. I hope that no matter your station, single or married, you are able to bask in the Father’s love this month and every month.
