Valentine’s day is one of the most interesting times of the year, particularly in Christian circles in the late twentyish stage. Its a time when married or dating couples celebrate their love, and single people either scurry off into isolation to languish in misery or crowd into little frightened groups to listen to sermons that will at the best leave them not so miserable and single, or at least put off the sense of impending doom that seems to be approaching.
But I’m going to write here to reflect on the many things I’ve learned on love and romance since the last valentines day. Especially since tomorrow I’ll be celebrating the 1st birthday of my church.
1. I’ve learned from a good family friend that in love, seeking the best of the person you want is a true way of loving them, even if that person isn’t you.
2. There is a line when attraction can become obsessive and toxic. A good indicator can be when it damages the life of the person involved, and the lives of otherwise uninvolved people. That isn’t love, its a toxic obsession that is, almost demonic.
3. Its better to be alone, then with the wrong person.
At this age in Christian circles, singleness is almost certain at my age. Particularly as an unemployed, uneducated guy. But my God is the God of the dark horses, and his way can include those weird black swan events. I am the man of the absurd, ridiculous and unlikely.
