Holidays can be joyous, silly, happy, fun, entertaining. Or not so much. February 14th is one of those strange holidays that can be a time for honoring a loved one – or feeling “left out” or “let down”. It can be a particularly difficult holiday if you are traveling or have recently moved away for school or a new work opportunity – leaving someone behind.

Social media can make this particular holiday even more challenging. Most people post the “best of the best” on social media – making their preparations and celebrations seem carefree and wonderful. Spending too much time on social media during a holiday can create a tsunami of emotional feelings. What’s a person to do?

This is probably a good time to hit the social media “pause” button for a day or two. Next is to remember that this is really just another day on the calendar. Most of the hype around this holiday is driven by businesses that generate tons of made-up images to sell candy, flowers, restaurant reservations, gifts, etc. Reach out to a friend and see if they want to go to a movie, hold a game night, or a pedicure party. Chances are good they are struggling with the same hype overload.

As a believer, we can remind ourselves and each other that, even in those moments where we feel most alone, most vulnerable, we are never outside the loving eye and care of our God. Through the works of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, He has made us part of the greatest love story ever told. Every single day.

John 3:15 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.