Greetings Dear HeartSpirit Community!
Happy February! Happy Love Month!
February is known as the Love Month because of Valentine's Day. It is the day when loved ones share how much they love each other with fancy dinners, candy, flowers, cards, and other acts of love. As I wrote those words, a question popped into my head, "Well, who invented Valentine's Day anyway?: My first thought was Hallmark! :-) And, off I went to Google. I learned that, "The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine's Day as a day of romantic celebration in his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules...” (history.com). I also learned that Valentine's Day "...originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world." (Wikipedia)
"But, what does Valentine's Day and Love Month mean to YOU?" MySelf asked myself. As a single person, it means I get to lavish the love on ME! I get to lavish the love on my family and friends. I am reminded that Love is all around me...and that I am loved, loving, and lovable. And, as I thought about it, Love is another name for God. Love is that state of openness and acceptance we have for ourselves, that we then shower upon others. As with everything, it all starts within. Love yourself. Take yourself out to dinner. Buy yourself a card and flowers (I am going to do that), and remember Love is who you are.
Whichever way you choose to celebrate (or not celebrate) Valentine's Day, enjoy it. Wanna know another great thing about Valentine's Day? Candy prices the day after! :-)
Happy February! May you walk with Love this month! I Love You!
Sending Love & Valentine Wishes
Ouida Joi AKA Rev. O
P. S. Please check out our usual monthly gatherings, and our new Wednesday Evening Interfaith Taize' Service and Monday Prayer Calls. (info below).
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