The Anti-Cliché Counter-Valentine

Confessions of a hopeful romantic... who happens to trust in the Lord...  

I don’t want to be flattered or pampered by you,

As though you think that I need you 

To make me feel good about who I am.

I’d rather you turn my focus toward Jesus. 

I don’t want to be rescued by you,

Because Christ already did that for me.

I don’t need a fearless hero in you, but

I’d rather you find your strength and courage in the Lord.

I don’t want to be chased by you,

Because that implies I’m running away

And you haven’t caught on to the hint.

I’d rather us run the Race set before us, side by side.

I don’t want to be selected by you,

Like I’m one of many cereals on the shelf

Chosen based on what you think is best for you.

I’d rather God choose us both for each other.

I don’t want to be patronized and protected by you,

Kept safe and secure from all possible danger.

As long as we jump in together,

I’d rather have breath-taking, heart-racing adventures.

I don’t want to be flirted with or schmoozed by you,

With you putting stars in my eyes

And in my stomach a feeling of butterflies.

I’d rather learn, discover, grow deeply with you.

I don’t want “love at first sight.”

At first, we need to see that we are both broken sinners,

And the further we dig, the more we will find

The beautiful, redeemed children God is making us to be. 

~C.L. Chandler