Truth be told, we’ve all dealt with a broken heart at some point in our lives. Whether it be loss of a job, relationship breakup, death of a loved one, unreturned love and affection, a shattered dream or a rebellious child having a wounded and heavy heart has not and will not escape us. Yet to be dealing with a broken heart on a day that our culture celebrates and– dare I say, obsessively markets idealized romantic love. If you find yourself in the Broken Heart’s Club this Valentine’s Day, here are a few things to remember:

1. It won’t always be this way. Love and healing is out there for all of us to find but acknowledging and caring for our pain and loss is an important part of the lessons love can teach us.
2. Focus on the love that is in your life. It is there-whether it be the kindness of a friend, the joy a pet gives, a beautiful sunset, a job that gives you fulfillment, a God who lovingly meets you wherever you are -look for it and you’ll be surprised.
3. Be the love that you want to see in the world. Give love this Valentine’s Day through some random acts of kindness. You may feel like you’re just going through the motions at first, but brightening the day for others has an amazing effect of brightening ours in return.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.