Stream staffers were asked to share their thoughts on love this Valentine’s Day. Although we have them wrapped up in a pretty bow for the morning, we thought we’d sneak you a sample tonight.

Two years ago I wrote that I’d never had a Valentine and I’d never felt unloved on Valentine’s Day. That’s still true, though this year feels a bit different. As I walk past large displays with balloons and chocolate-covered strawberries at the grocery store, I remember that a few months ago it occurred to me I’d likely have a first this V-Day: V-Day while dating. But here we are, and I’m no longer in a dating relationship. I’m reminded of what I wrote: “There’s more than one kind of love to celebrate on Valentine’s Day.”

I’m especially thankful for my best friend, who has been with me through every romantic relationship and interest and helped me guide my heart both during and afterwards. As I was searching for a Valentine’s Day card to send her, I came across a card that — although labeled “Romantic” — actually fit my feelings for her perfectly.

“You have shown me the meaning of real love — how it takes commitment, devotion, patience and sacrifice. Our love is something out of the ordinary — uniquely precious and irreplaceable, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it!”

She Doesn’t Take Her Commitment to Friendship Lightly

We met at a Christian conference. She registered me when I came in, and I asked if she had any needs I could pray with her about. My friends and I kept bumping into her over the course of the conference and ministered to her again, though there were thousands of people there. She suggested we exchange numbers. We did. That was five years ago. I didn’t have faith that I could develop a friendship over long-distance with someone I just met, given my history of failing to keep up with old friends. But she was faithful to keep initiating contact. And now she’s my best friend and we communicate deeply and often daily.

She’s prayed for me daily during the difficult times. She’s been honest with me when I have hurt her and needed to repent. She’s compassionate and encouraging. When I’m confused, she thinks clearly. When I’m crying, she feels with me. She loves the stories I share and genuinely enjoys me. She’s helped me see God’s perspective on my circumstances and myself. She’s a devoted and wise confidant. She tells me she adores me and is convinced I’m hilarious. She’s well acquainted with my weaknesses and has been repeatedly hurt by them, but when she thinks of me, she doesn’t think of my flaws. She’s discerning and yet non-judgmental, knowing her sins were just as costly to Jesus as mine.

She’s told me she doesn’t take friendship lightly. We’re friends, and to her, that means a lifelong commitment to sacrificial love. I’m beyond blessed that God allowed us to meet briefly five years ago and that she decided to keep up with me and call me her friend.

Focus Your Thoughts on What is Praiseworthy

This Valentine’s Day, I’m not on a path to marriage alongside a man. Should I let that unmet desire be my focus? Philippians 4:8 commands me to focus my thoughts on what is lovable, admirable and praiseworthy. I have a friend who loves me faithfully with God’s love. I marvel at the life-changing relationship God orchestrated from a brief encounter. And she is only one of the people I’m blessed to love and be loved by.

Have I felt a bit more cynical this year about the red and white heart-shaped money-making ploys that bombard me as I’m getting groceries? Admittedly, yes. But I discovered the flower department is worth walking through this time of year just to sniff some beautiful varieties that aren’t usually stocked. And I found a card that reminds me how grateful I am to love and be loved.

Aliya Kuykendall is a staff writer and proofreader for The Stream. You can follow Aliya on Twitter @AliyaKuykendall and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.