We Don't Have to Hate Valentine's Day

 

I hated Valentine’s Day. Most of all, I hated the annual flower fundraiser at my high school. When that day started, I was hopeful. Maybe there was someone who would use this day to express how he really felt about me. First block, second block, lunch. Nothing. Fourth block . . . . Then “the flower girl” glided into our room.

She called my name! I saw it; the pink flower. SOMEONE wanted to ask me out! My heart began to flutter. Then I saw who it was from. Really? Him?

For a brief second, I allowed myself to get excited.

Then reality kicked in. “There’s no way this can be true.” He was popular; I was not. There’s no way he would want me. I shoved the flower down in my backpack. I feared it wasn’t real, so I acted like it never happened. Never knowing the truth was better than finding out it was a joke.

Since then I have discovered Jesus has chosen me—chosen a life for me. He has work for me to do, through faith and love and endurance.

“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.”—1 Thessalonians 1:3-5

You too are chosen! You are not an accident; nor a mistake. You are a person of worth and purpose created by God, and through him you can have power and conviction.

When a girl is picked as the Homecoming Queen, is she shy? Would she try to run away when they put the crown on her head? No! She is confident and self-assured—she already knows she’s won. You can have that confidence too. Just know that you are chosen!

Lord, I’m trying to get it: you have chosen me for a role far more important than Homecoming Queen. Thank you! Amen.

(This post is an excerpt from Devotions for a Revolutionary Year.)

 

Lynn

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