Valentine's Day Blessings to you!
In just a few days restaurant reservation lists will be filled, candy hearts will be flying off shelves, and flower shops will enjoy one of their busiest days of the year. And it's all in the name of "Love."
For some, Valentine's day only highlights the fact that they are alone, the pain of their loneliness underscored as they watch others get the cards, candy and flowers.
The most unfortunate thing is that the true meaning of the day is missed entirely. Hijacked by merchants and merchandisers, Love; the great harmonizing principle of the Universe; the 'super-glue' of Spirit is reduced to its lower expressions of romance.
Don't get me wrong, it is nice to receive a Valentine, I only wish the namesake of the holiday would also be thought of and the example provided would be expressed and shared.
February 12th - 15th were the dates of the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which included a "matchmaking lottery," and women being pummeled by the skins of recently killed dogs and goats, with the thought it would make them fertile.
It was during this festival time that two men named Valentine were martyred. One, it is believed, was beheaded because he married Christians when it was forbidden. There are many myths and legends, and little hard data regarding the Saints.
However, if we look to the teaching of Jesus, who instructed us to love God, Love others, and Love ourselves, knowing that these men, as men of the church, taught likewise, we can get a whole new slant on our observance of Valentine's day.
In that light, I would like to invite you to elevate your Valentine's Day experience. Experience it not just as personal, but principle...and practical!
1) Love God - all that is good. Take some time to sit in the silence, and just BE. Ponder the love of God; unlimited, unconditional, unending. Make a list of all of your blessings.
2) Love others - if you have anger or resentment at another, let it go. Do something nice for someone who challenges you. Not to make yourself a "martyr" or "victim," but to give yourself freedom and release from negative energy.
Jesus reminded us that it is easy to love those we like, but while difficult, we must love our enemies as well. Remember, Acceptance does not require approval.
Practice some "random acts of kindness." Actually we are right in the middle of Random Acts of Kindness week. For more info click here: http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
3) Love yourself - be good to yourself, treat yourself with love and respect. You may notice that we tend to judge and criticize ourselves for our perceived lack of perfection. Remember this: You are a beautiful and beloved Child of God, loved beyond measure.
And always remember you are NOT alone. You are NEVER alone. God loves you, and so do I!
Happy Valentine's Day,
Rev. Alicia Leslie
Spirit of Unity Church
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