Valentine’s Day: The Best (& Worst) Holiday On Campus

By guy.chmieleski@gmail.comStudent Culture, Trends & Issues

Are you ready? Do you know what I’m talking about? It’s happening later this week.

I’m talking about Valentine’s Day.

The day of love.

And while it may not be the biggest thing on your radar, it is for many (if not most) of our students.

Valentine’s Day is one of those feast or famine kinds of holidays, and I think what makes it so great for some — and so miserable for others — is that it’s tied directly into the way we’ve been designed — as relational beings who desire to give and receive love.

So Valentine’s Day serves as a great chance for those who are “in” a relationship to do just that — celebrate the gift of love and affection that they are (presently) finding in the relationship they have with that special someone.

But for those who are not currently “in” a relationship…

Or for those who are in a bad relationship…

Or for those who are in a broken relationship…

Or for those who have recently been dumped…

Or for those who have yet to be in one of “those” kinds of relationships…

This holiday can shine a spotlight on what they believe they are lacking in their life.

And no matter how much we might want to de-mystify the significance of this magical holiday about love — this one day on the calendar — some students will simply have to struggle through the day.

So my question for us today is simply this:

How can we live out St. Paul’s admonishment to be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep? (Rms. 12:15 – NLT)

What if we didn’t make Valentine’s Day about “fixing” problems, but simply being with students — in their joy or their pain?

There will be time in the coming days and weeks for helping our students to better understand love — and encouraging them to focus on the Bigger Love that puts all other love into proper perspective — but that might have to come on a day that’s a little less “loaded” with meaning.

What do you think?

How do you walk with the love-struck and the lonely hearts on (and around) Valentine’s Day?

 

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3 thoughts on “Valentine’s Day: The Best (& Worst) Holiday On Campus”

  1. This year I have been shocked at the big deal that single students are making about tomorrow. Some have said they will be going into hibernation until after tomorrow, others are reliving their past relationships, wondering what could have been, and still others are jealous of those who are in (or have had) steady relationships. Just this morning I have consoled and attempted to counsel two different students (a guy and a girl) both dealing with PVS (Pending Vday Stress). At least these two are asking the right questions, seeking their identity in Christ, not in a relationship (or hoping for a relationship). However, asking the right questions does not salve the raw pain they are feeling. 
    Thanks for bringing up this issue for dialogue! It is definitely at UGA!

    1. Thanks Nathan! PVS – Pending Valentine’s Day Stress – both funny and sad. You are right about asking the right questions — it’s essential to finding a healthy perspective on love and relationships… but does little for the immediate pain. 

      Praying your students were both blessed and encouraged by your counsel.

  2. i remember reading 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. (excellent book btw.) everyone wants to be loved and have someone to love. for those who have both, its a really good day. for those who have one or the other, but not both; it can be a bit of a downer. but for those who have neither, it can be a hard day. may God be an instrument of His love, grace, and peace to those like that we come in contact with on a daily basis, especially on valentines day.
    Guy, thank you for your post here. important to think about. God bless you, your family, and the work y’all are doing.

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