Today is Valentine’s Day, and on this day we are supposed to enthrall our loved ones with our outward manifestations of love and appreciation, and that is wonderful! To let someone know that they are loved and cherished is the most important thing we can do. And, whether you choose to say it with hearts and flowers, candy or brandy, does not matter as much as the feeling of love and respect in which these items are given.
And that is what I want to talk about today. The perpetuation of love and respect, which is truly the best gift you can give to another. Whether that person is a neighbor, a co-worker, a spouse, child, brother, sister, parent–if you can honor them with love and respect, then you’ve done your part to perpetuate love on the planet.
Why is that important? Why do you need to help with the continuation of love on the planet? Why is that your job? Can’t someone else do that? Someone who may not be as busy as you? Or who doesn’t have more important things to do?
Well, my dears, there is no more important thing to do in life than to perpetuate the feeling of love and kindness. Case in point: Years ago, I had to have surgery. Nothing life-threatening, but still a little scary. My family doctor referred me to the man he considered to be the best surgeon for the job. Great! That’s what you want when contemplating going under general anesthesia and having someone cut into your body–the most skilled surgeon available. What my family doctor didn’t tell me was that this man was the most loving, kind person I have ever met! He was warm, funny, and (appropriately) affectionate. He made me feel totally cared for and inherently valued. I had no qualms about my surgery, because I knew he truly cared.
Now, this man was a busy surgeon. He could have just walked in, clinically given me the facts of my “case” and gone on his way. But he took the time to let me know he cared about me as a human being. He practically oozed loving kindness from his pores. So, I don’t care who you are, how busy you are, or what you do for a living. Any moment of any day can be spent in the throes of love and kindness.
Do you go up and hug strangers in the street? Well, you could, but people may not take it the way you mean it! But you can certainly take a moment to tell the people in your life that you love them, or point out something specific that you like about them. You can be cordial and kind to the person at the drive-up window, the clerk in the store, the person who called the wrong number and got you! Once you start to perpetuate love, it becomes easier and easier. Almost automatic.
What if you’re not good at saying all that mushy stuff? What if it makes you feel too vulnerable and exposed to share your feelings? There are a lot of people who have trouble getting past the stutter in their throat, the fear of embarrassment, and the possiblity of rejection.
Deeds can be loving commitments, too. A smile, a gentle pat on the head or shoulder, or even a nod of acknowledgement as you walk past a stranger can be used in place of words. Taking out the garbage without being asked, getting your sweetie’s car fixed or their pants mended are gestures of love. Any action you take that is based on love for another is you, perpetuating love. And that is why you are here.
So, take a look around. Who have you told “I love you” to lately? Your spouse, your kids, your pets? Have you smiled and waved at your neighbor recently? Unless they are totally scary, you should try the old smile and wave! See what happens. Have you taken the time to connect with old friends or distant relatives? Do you know what’s happening in their lives, who they are now? Why not see?
Of course, if the neighbor swears at you and the long-lost cousin turns out to be a negative leach that you don’t want to spend any time with, that is all right. You don’t have to pretend to like people you don’t. It’s not about being falsely nice, it’s about perpetuating love on the planet. So, choose who you share your loving kindness with. If it is not appreciated, you know to move on to someone who can and will feel loved and respected.
On this Valentine’s Day, and every day, be the perpetuator of divine love on the planet. Be that oozer of kindness, the wielder of kind words and loving expression. And, remember to give that same loving consideration to yourself! You deserve it, too.
Actually, you deserve it first, because once you feel that love for yourself, it is easy to share it with others. It is easier to be that conduit, that perpetuator. (Not perpetrator–there’s a difference!)
Continue to bring forth love onto the planet. It starts with you, and continues on in the people that you choose to grace with your loving presence. Add joy to that love, and you have a powerful weapon of mass-construction! Use it to perpetuate the love that you are. And, happy Velantine’s Day!
In joy and love,
Barbara