Valentines Day

I must be coming more of a grinch as I grow older, or maybe I just see life from a different perspective! I find the  many days we celebrate throughout the year, are days that are extremely difficult for others.

Take Valentines day for instance. What are its origins? According to an article I read this is where it came from:
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.




What does that have to do with what we have made it out today to be? Another day of over commercialization!!!!


This morning I was on facebook and I read lots of things like : Everyone who has a significant person in your life put your picture up together and share how many years you have been together. I know this is all nice and playful things not meant to hurt others, but inevitably people will be hurt and feel inferior. Why? Because for many many people Valentines in just another day to remind them of their loss or their lack of someone special.


My mind goes to some of my closest friends that have had to endure the tragic loss of a spouse either through death or divorce. I am reminded of the many young people that have made a choice not to date until later in life, that feel pressured on days like today. I am touched deeply by the thought of many hurting kids that don't even know what it is like to feel loved.


I think we need a change in the way we observe this day. Maybe we should simply take time to reflect today on those who have need of being loved. Instead of spending lots of money on flowers and meals and expensive things we don't need, maybe we should take that same money and invest it into the lives of those who are hurting and abandoned. Imagine if Valentines Day was just not another day to spend money on stuff but instead it was the day to look around at all those who we could bless by spending our time and resources to make the lonely and destitute feel like they mattered.


Oh yeah, Happy...