Today has become a commercialized celebration of love. It began with a priest, St. Valentine, who married young people at a time when marriage was prohibited, because the Emperor thought single soldiers fought better. St. Valentine was beheaded and martyred for his disobedience, and he became a symbol for love. From such a gory beginning came our current day celebrations. Regardless, love is essential to our species, and its propagation. And, it really isn’t about romantic love, or a singular other. It is a mindset for living. Call it unconditional caring.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, It is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” – 1 Cor 13:4-8
Make everyone your Valentine; especially, those who are your enemies. You don’t need to be in a romantic relationship to think about the struggle to love. Eat. Pray. Love.
