Yada

This is a story of how I used to hate February. Really, really dread it. February, ugh. Stupid month of love. The one time of year when my aloneness was completely unavoidable, and even seemed to be thrown in my face. To me Valentines Day meant a month of chocolates, candy hearts, cheap cards featuring red hearts or a lame drawing of Cupid. But what I never saw was that it represented something entirely more serious; something I could hardly express or put into words. A time when it would appear that somewhere out there, there existed a real love. Something that ultimately we're all seeking, and often feel the lack of. Society would tell you you'll find it in giving and being given gifts. Jewelry, flowers, gourmet chocolate, candy hearts. All delivered over a candle lit dinner complete with a confession of undying love... That is society's ultimate romance. When we receive anything less, discontentment ensues. And when you do receive this, maybe you wonder why you feel a sense of guilt or disappointment. Is this all there is? Love with a greater meaning; a deeper knowing and understanding of another person. Isn't this what we all really want?

This desire and longing we all have is yada, which is the Biblical Hebrew definition for what every person walking the planet desires: to know, to be known, and be deeply respected. Yada is in the bible almost a thousand times, more importantly between God and his creation. If you get completely honest with yourself, is this what you want? To know, be known, and be deeply respected?

This time of year what I discovered awakened in me was this realization that yada was something I didn't have. It wasn't actually a boyfriend, it was yada. I've seen too many unhappy people in relationships, who clearly don't have yada. I've realized that yada must come from a relationship with God before you can experience it in a relationship with another person.

All of us are looking for love. I want to encourage you that no matter what path of life you're on, single or in a relationship- there's no reason for you to feel like you're missing out on valentines day. Just because you don't have a boyfriend doesn't mean that you can't enjoy valentines day. It's the day of love. There are plenty of people in your life that you love, even if it's not a boyfriend. Love on them today.

The world'll tell you that you're the only one that's not experiencing the "ultimate love" but the reality is this; you can have yada starting today. Run after God, go deeper with him, and find true happiness and contentment in him. This communion, this fellowship with our creator, isn't it the climax?