February 14: Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! To me, Valentines is a fun, minor holiday, but not a very big deal. I just found out that, at least by the numbers, I’m wrong. According to USA Today, men spend an average of $169 and women average $86. In other words, it’s the most expensive holiday besides Christmas.

I’m really not sure what to do with that information, but I was so shocked I had to share it. I’m guessing these numbers are drastically inflated by those who drop several hundred on diamond earrings for their sweethearts.

Anyway, if you’re still curious as to “how did this tradition start?” (I’m using my best Tevye voice here) “I’ll tell you. I don’t know. But it’s a tradition.”

One story goes that Valentine, a priest in Rome, was imprisoned for his faith sometime around the third century. The day before he was executed, legend says that he sent a love letter to the daughter of his jailer, signing it “your Valentine.”

Today’s verse is from 1 John. I hope you can hear the complete astonishment as John tells us a little about God’s love.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1a

P.S. If you were hoping for something less traditional for February 14, you could always respond to those “Happy Valentine’s Day” greetings with a cheerful  ”And a happy Ferris Wheel Day to you too!” Mr. George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. was born on this day in 1859, and later went on to invent the ferris wheel. If it weren’t below freezing, that could be quite a romantic date for today too!

February 14: Valentine’s Day … and Singles Awareness Day!

As everyone knows, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. The history of this day is debatable (see the history channel’s websitefor more info.), but today we use it to celebrate love, especially romantic love.

For all the romantics out there: February 14 is also Ferris Wheel Day, in honor of George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., who invented the romantic carnival ride in 1893. (picture of London Eye, from wikipedia)

“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.”

Song of Solomon 6:3

Although many argue that people shouldn’t participate in Valentine’s Day because it’s too commercialized, others think it’s great to celebrate anyway. Thankfully, for those of us that dislike the commercialization, homemade, handwritten notes and quiet dinners at home are often more romantic than a fancy night out. (And does anyone even like candy hearts?)

On the other hand, many people celebrate Singles Awareness Day (SAD) on February 14 instead.

Although some people celebrate it alone, on the couch with ice cream and a romantic comedy, I recommend grabbing all the single friends you can and spending it together on the couch with ice cream and a romantic comedy … unless you’re the kind that would prefer to go out for a party. Group SAD parties can be some of the best fun!

*update: Apparently, a lot of people celebrate Singles Awareness Day on February 15, as a kind of payback: couples take over the world on the 14th, but singles rule on the 15th. Who knew? I always thought they split the holiday in half!