Valentine’s Day Love and caring

Been thinking…..Do you remember the penny St. Valentine cards we used to exchange in grade school? (Well, like everything else, they may have gone up in price since the 1930's and 40's. Put your own price on them for when you were in school.) I remember the excitement of everyone in the class, scurrying around to different desks exchanging cards, the joy of receiving them, and the momentary sadness of being overlooked by someone we liked. We took these cards home, sorted them out on the kitchen table and looked more closely at them. These cards meant a lot because they told us we were special, it told us that other people liked us, that we had people who cared for us. Now, as adults, our needs haven’t changed all that much. We still need to know we are special in some way, that we are loved (a basic desire that will last as long as we last), and that others care for us. Though we no longer send valentine cards to everyone in our classroom, we, nevertheless, have a few “special” people that we send a Valentine Card to, or should, and ought not to be neglected. On deeper musing, this special feast should also be an occasion for us to reflect upon God’s love for us. St. John tells us that “we love because God first loved us.” He offers us the Heart of His Son who gave His life that we might have eternal life. The love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is steady and unending no matter what we do. Each of us in a unique way is special to Him. People should know of this wonderful love that is theirs. Today, no longer in a classroom sharing kindness, but in the world together, let us thank God for the gift of His love. Let us thank Him for the gift of family members and friends whose love for us we know and feel. Let us be aware that we were made for love…We were made to receive love…We were made to give love. These are not the words of a song, although they might be. They are the words of Pope Benedict XVI to young people during his recent visit to London. We experience the need for love and the need to give love in our daily lives, and we must not forget that we are made in the image of God who is pure love. Recognize the love of which we refer in the patient parents when their children are acting up; in the kindness shown to a sick friend. Love is present when people share a kind word or a caring smile with those who are sad or burdened with problems. Love is found when we reach out to those in need of our help. We need not look for moments when we can share our love and care; we need only be aware that all people face problems; every one. Opportunities to show your love abounds. The meaning of Valentine’s Day could be shared every day. Wouldn’t that be wonderful! May your Valentine’s Day be memorable and full of love. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Numbers 6:24-26