I, too, learn

While looking for stuff to include in this Newsletter’s Valentine issue, I came upon this poem in my organizer. I’ve had it for years; but now I read it with new eyes.. and with fresh understanding:


After a While
(Veronica Shoffstall)
After a while you learn the subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t always mean security
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight

After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers
And you learn that you really can endure
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn
And you learn
With every goodbye you learn

It is the season of hearts once more. For “newly-singled” people like me, this occasion can be pretty hard to endure. Everywhere I turn, I see couples all mushy and sweet.. and mall decorations are filled with hearts of all colors. More than once, I thought of going into hibernation until Valentine’s Day is over. Thankfully, though, I didn’t.

Because Valentine’s Day isn’t simply a day for passion and romance. It isn’t just about flowers and chocolates and cheesy greeting cards. February 14, like the rest of the 364 (or 365) days, is a God-given opportunity to learn. About the meaning of true love. About the value of letting go. About acceptance. About the wisdom of moving on.

These past days, I learned that “newly-singled” doesn’t have to mean “lonely.” Not having a “significant other” is not the same as not having a “special someone.” Because no matter how many heartbreaks I go through, and no matter how many times I may have been forced to say (or hear) goodbye.. I know I will always have a Special Someone patiently waiting for me :-)

And He does give me strength. And He does see my worth. And He teaches me to love myself, the way He loves me. And most importantly, He makes me feel His ever-present love.. through His Word, and through loved ones :-)

Thank You Lord, for making everyday Valentine’s Day.. :-)