“Human affection is not poured forth vainly, even though it meet no return. Love enriches the nature, enlarging, purifying, and elevating it.”
Mary Baker Eddy
| Virginia Harris, C.S.B. – Golden Rule Day |
Do you remember Valentine’s Day when you were a kid in elementary school? What I remember is coming to school with a brown paper sack filled with valentine cards for everyone in my class, to be placed on each desk at the first recess. No one was left out, everyone received a Valentine – even the kid(s) who I was sure didn’t like me much. But it was the one day I could make a little gesture to be a friend to everyone…so said my mom.
At some point, at least in the US, Valentine’s Day becomes more romantic and exclusive to that special someone. Advertising promotes Valentine gifts, like candy, flowers or jewelry, and maybe a romantic dinner. The day – and the run-up to the day – is so focused on couples that if you aren’t in a relationship you might feel left out. It’s not like elementary school anymore.
Maybe returning to the spirit of an inclusive Valentine’s Day for adults where no one is left out is a better idea. In fact, in Mexico and many Latin American countries the day is known as ‘El Dia del Amor y Amistad,’ the day of love and friendship when people offer acts of appreciation for friends. I like this…it is a gentle reminder of the expansive and expressive nature of love.
When you think about how powerful and meaningful a genuine love and affection for family and friends can be – even that special someone – would it not have its source in something grander than any one individual? When you feel this kind of powerful love, you have this sense that it doesn’t begin with you but rather you – and everyone you love – is embraced by it. To me, this is evidence of divine, universal Love. This unlimited Love can’t be defined by a chosen few or confined to one day.
It’s good to have a day when we are reminded about the importance of love and friendship. And who doesn’t love to feel loved! Perhaps a better way of acknowledging the day is to look for more people to love – enlarge your circle to include those who would especially appreciate the extra attention. Look for any opportunity to make a small gesture to be a friend, like offering a gracious smile to a harried shopworker or flashing a smile of comfort to an exasperated parent – just have a smile ready to bless! It’s the Golden Rule in action, right? “Treat men exactly as you would like them to treat you.” (Luke 6:31 J.B. Phillips New Testament) A lesson learned from elementary school still works.
“Human affection is not poured forth vainly, even though it meet no return. Love enriches the nature, enlarging, purifying, and elevating it.” – Mary Baker Eddy
So let’s think of Valentine’s Day as Golden Rule Day. And how about living – and loving – every day like Golden Rule Day?