I have been seeing a lot of Valentine’s Day posts everywhere about places to go, of people who have no date, of people who are looking for dates and suggestions on where to dine, what to give, etc.

Some postings make me smile and some made me think.

Hence, this article. Note, this is on the serious side. So I might bore you. 🙂

I would like to address our youth and our young professionals.

Most often than not, peer pressure gets tough. Specially when one doesn’t have a date on Valentine’s Day. The question that keeps popping up is – why? As if it’s the worst thing that can happen to a person if you have no date or boyfriend/ girlfriend during this day.

If you are in this dilemma, then I feel you. It used to irritate me when people asked me why I didn’t have a boyfriend at the age of 24. And remember I got married when I was 33 years old. So imagine the years in between where I felt like I had to justify why I was not in a relationship. What irritated me the most was when people started telling me that I am becoming an old maid. And that I should not be choosy. Or that it’s difficult to be intelligent because we tend to think too much. ha ha ha… I think that’s the worst I heard when I was still single.

It was kinda hard for me to explain that a) I was waiting for the person that would complement me, b) I was not willing to settle for less , c) I had other priorities.

Let me elaborate. My priorities were different when I was younger. Being the eldest sibling, I felt the need to ensure that my younger sisters are okay. And since I was also helping my father, I felt like I too was the breadwinner of the family. When one is faced with that situation, having a love life  wasn’t that too important. Well, to me at least.

I was 31 years old when I told God in one of my prayers that I was ready to get married. I specified everything I wanted in a man and my ending was ” don’t forget Lord, gwapo ha.” Well, prayer shouldn’t be boring right? 🙂  And I have always prayed like I am talking to my father…

I was busy with work. This time, I started investing a little. I was able to buy a house. Received a van as an award from my previous boss. Traveled with my family. Spent time with friends.  I wasn’t bored, in other words.  Infact, I had fun even if I was single. It’s not the status in life that makes one happy. It is the acceptance of where you are in your life. And your decision on what to do with it.

I was given the chance to enjoy earning well through my work so I made sure that my parents are okay and happy.  Eversince I received the van, my family and I went everywhere.  I bonded with my nephews too . And to me, that’s one of the best things in my life back then. Small boys calling me Mommy Inday, as if I was really their mom. And seeing them enjoy life with the rest of the family as they grew up, was one of my best memories.

And you know, I am glad I waited. Because God in his goodness, gifted me with my husband whom I met 2 years  after I said my prayer. We became friends in February 2005. He came to visit me in June of the same year. And we got married November of the same year as well. 🙂 Sounded like a whirlwind romance, but if it’s god’s will, everything will just fall into place.

I am saying that a) Do not let other people stress you about your lack of romantic relationship.  b) Enjoy being single!  Spend time with family and friends.  c) Develop yourself into a better human being. That way, you have more to offer to your husband one day. d) Pray. You can’t go wrong with that. I promise you.

I hope that this video will show you that prayer works. I was happy when I got married. And I am still happy now, a decade later. Thank God. 🙂

Oh, John didn’t know I could sing. So it came as a shock to him when I sang during our wedding reception. haha.. He got teary eyed and looked so cute. Sounds cheesy , I know. 🙂 But love is that and more…

Believe me, it pays to wait… 🙂

Happy Valentine’s everyone!

Lea C. Walker

http://www.davaoproperties.com