Change of Heart

(Source: http://slowbuddy.com/photography/pictures-of-love/) 

The Back-story

I was always the type of girl who laughed and cracked jokes at romantic commercials and chick flicks. I'd even roll her eyes at an inclination of a predictable happy ending. Quite frankly, I was annoyed by the idea of love in all forms - whether romantic or platonic - because I didn't think I deserved it. 

It stemmed back to my childhood and how my father first left our family when I was two. A part of me felt unloved. Back then, I allowed my abandonment issues to shape my life and torment my relationships. I would always seek validation from other boys and constantly rely on them for compliments.

I was broken.

But all that changed once I allowed true love to find me. A love that is unchangeable, unshakable, and unstoppable. I could gain 30, lose my good looks, and have pimples on my face. It wouldn't matter. The love would continue to grow, regardless.

In my mess and brokenness, I was still comforted in ways I wish I had the words to describe.God had filled a hole in my heart. A hole that I thought nothing was big enough to fill. Alcohol couldn't fill it, boys couldn't fill it, anger, pain and resentment couldn't fill. 

But I called His bluff, and He proved to be absolutely amazing.

He is my superhero, and he never fails to surprise me.

Valentine's Day

It's getting closer and closer to the Big V, and the holiday commercials are back to bombarding our television screens. 

It doesn't bother me as much. I no longer have that desire to be loved because I am loved. I hold the greatest love story ever told close to my heart. It doesn't entail roses, chocolates and candle lit dinners.

It's about an amazing man sacrificing His life for a girl whose life she could have cared less about two years ago.

So Happy Valentine's Day to all the lovely couples. Don't just shower them with love and presents on Thursday. Make it an every-day thing. If you're married 24/7, love your partner 24/7.

I will celebrate Valentine's Day, just like any other day: loving God and learning to love others.

Now, that's where the heart is <3