Love

It's almost Valentine's Day and as usual, I have no Ashton Kutcher. A friend recently remarked that Valentine's Day is really only depressing for single people. Now, this may seem like a pretty obvious conclusion, but humor me as I thought it was an inspired revelation. Also, promise to humor me as I rant and rave a little bit. It's a special time of year!

Complaint Number 52. People my age in so-called "love" are obnoxious. They post ridiculous cutesy profile pictures and overuse Facebook hearts. Two weeks later, their relationship status is single, yet again. And somehow, being Facebook official confirms your love? Come on, kids. I know the hormones are flowing at a rapid pace, but save me a couple dozen facepalms and be reasonable. However, don't take me for one of those "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" types. I don't judge your choices to date or not but please, spare the gush!

Complaint Number 34. Where is Mr. Darcy? I blame my impossibly high standards on my obsession with classic love stories. In all honesty, it's so difficult to find a boy my age who's worth his salt. And generally the ones who are, well they're my really good friends. To me, friendship is much more important at the moment. Also, the average 17 year old guy has the maturity of a two year old, in my wholly unbiased opinion. All that to say, options are limited and romance is highly overrated at this age. After all, Elizabeth Bennett didn't meet Mr. Darcy until she was 20. So, who am I to rush romance?

Complaint Number 121. If you think that Twilight is true romance, this one's directed at you. First of all, no guy should be so important to you that you turn into a mess if he leaves you, unless you happen to be engaged or married. I sincerely hope that if you model your love life after a literary heroine, it is not the whiny and pathetic Bella Swan. Like Kate Winslet, find your gumption and pick the adorable Jack Black over the creep, cheating British guy. No guy, ever, has the right to dictate your worth to society. So please, leave cliff-diving and motorcycles alone this Valentine's Day.

Conclusion Number 1. There are two ways to look at being single. 1. You're alone. 2. You're independent. I prefer the second approach. After all, I'm a pretty non-dependent female. I walk briskly or "fast", as slower people categorize it. I hate walking slowly. So yes, my plan is to marry an Olympic speed walker. Isn't that every girl's dream anyway? I spend too many Friday nights curled up with my golden retrievers, watching movies we've all seen 20 times with my parents. I have insane amounts of papers to write. I have an unhealthy obsession with too many TV shows. I cannot get Dustbowl Dance by Mumford and Sons out of my head (relevance? I'm not sure, you decide). So, scheduling romance into the equation would seem impossible. Reality? It's not easy being an un-dated girl for 17 years. Other reality? I've found plenty of incredible ways to spend my time. So, the Valentine's Day Pity Party is officially canceled. I love that the only really important males in my life are my dad, big brother and puppies, Pippin and Gandalf.

Conclusion Number 2. Jesus loves you. Singing na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na, hey! Let me be direct. Although it's been said many times, many ways... Shoot, wrong holiday... Anyways, recently, I've been reminded of our Savior's great love for us. Sure, it can't erase the desire for a special someone that inspires butterflies. Still, he is better than any Valentine because He is faithful, good and unconditionally the best friend a girl could ask for. In a time when my future is uncertain and my identity is being challenged, I don't just need a shoulder to lean on. I need to be reminded that someone else is in charge. I've struggled with the idea that God's love can replace the desire for romance, as it hasn't worked in the past. Thankfully, the constancy of His presence hasn't wavered while I figure it out.

I condemn the sappy modern ideals of romance while still believing that my own life will one day hold a happy ending. Call me crazy, but I'm hopelessly devoted to the Gilbert Blythe Myth. Today, I'm happy with my status. I have an IB Diploma to get. I want study at one of the US' top universities. My God, my family, my friends, my puppies and my dreams are the love of my life right now. Who says that isn't just as valid as a Valentine?

"So, I confessed my sins to the preacher,

Of a love I've been prayin' to find.

Is there a brown-eyed boy in my future?

He said, Girl, you got nothing but time!

But how do you wait for heaven 

And who has that much time?

And how do you keep your feet on the ground when you know

You were born to Fly!"

- Sara Evans