It's that time of year again. Valentine's Day has a long history. According to history.com, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. Enough of that!
The modern American story of Valentine's Day, for anyone exposed to any type of media, is about perfume, diamonds, jewelry, candy, cards and flowers. That's acceptable but I prefer to consider the concept, which is LOVE. And LOVE = RESPECT.
Love requires respect. Infatuation does not. But when you love someone or something, you show the utmost respect. A person that does not have your respect does not have your love.
When you love nature, you respect it and treat it accordingly.
When you love a pet, you respect them by providing care and play.
When you love a child, you care for them, listen to them, keep them healthy and spend time with them. If you want them to respect you, you must also show respect for them.
When you respect yourself, you appreciate your strengths and recognize your weaknesses. You work to improve yourself. You give yourself the opportunity to be happy.
When you love a spouse or partner, you respect them always, through the good times and the hard times. You give them space to grow. You agree that you both deserve respect. When the love is real, respect is easy. It's a two way street.
Valentine's Day is a romantic day to get married, engaged, or go on a special date with someone you love. It's a day to present a special gift, big or small, that makes that person that you love happy.
It's also a good day to show respect and love by visiting someone that is ill, to bring special treats to homeless animals, to bring a meal to a shut-in adult, or help a parent that gets little time for themselves. You can plant flowers or pick up litter on the beach. You can visit your church or meditate.
There are so many ways to express love and respect. It's nice that there is a day to remind us.
Happy Valentine's Day
Peace.
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