How to keep the SAINT in St. Valentine's Day

This post was originally posted on February 12, 2013. I thought it was worth another look with Valentine's Day coming up in a few weeks and have added a few additional ideas as well.

 

Many people "hate" Valentine's Day, especially if they don't have significant others.  But the original Valentine's celebrations were not celebrations of romantic love, but the love of God.  And that is something ALL can celebrate - man or woman, young, old, single or married.  Most likely there was more than one Saint Valentine in the early Church, but tradition holds that at least one was known for writing with love and encouragement to Christian communities.  This Valentine's Day, do something to honor the original meaning of Valentine's Day: the love of God and encouragement of fellow Christians.

Make/send a Valentine to someone who wouldn't otherwise receive one - a widow(er), an unmarried family member, a neighbor.
 

Make many Valentines to take to a nursing home and pass them out to the residents. (This would be great to do with kids!) 

See if there are any projects in your area to bring Valentines to veterans.  Our local library has a program.  If you are short on time or can't find a program in your area, you can also leave a Valentine message for a veteran here.

Read Corinthians 1:13 (suggested by Jen):

Write a love letter to God, telling Him how much you love Him and thanking him for the loved ones in your life.

Support marriage by offering a married couple you know a night of babysitting so they can have a night to recharge.  (Think especially of couples you know who don't have family in the area!)

Write a letter thanking the people in your life that have been examples of love and/or marriage.  Tell them how their examples have been beacons for you.

Hand out St. Valentine holy cards instead/in addition to Valentines (suggested by Kinsi):

Pray.  For your spouse (or your future spouse if you are not yet married).  For your loved ones.  For those who are lonely on Valentine's Day.  For those who don't know God's love. 

If you are going on a Valentine's Day date, bring the love of God with you!  Pray before, during, and after your date (suggested by Amanda).

Read about St. Valentine.  Beth suggested this kids' book about St. Valentine and the true meaning of Valentine's Day.  Here are a couple other options as well: Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda and Saint Valentine by Ann Tompert.

Put together a Valentine box for children who have been affected by chronic illness.  This would be especially great to do together as a group -  as a family, a group of friends, a youth group, etc.

Head to the grocery and thrift store to buy items to make a backpack of necessities for the homeless people you may encounter.  I like the explanation and ideas in this post.  Then leave the backpack in your car until you come across someone who needs it.