Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Love is in the air!

“Dear friends: let us love one another, because love comes from God”.
I John 4:7 (Good News Bible).

The month of February is dedicated to promoting love and friendship in all sorts of ways. The most precious gifts that human souls can share are extremely commercialized. By January, the stores put away all decorations and accessories related to the holidays and stack their shelves with all kinds of giftware, greeting cards, flowers, candy, fancy gift wraps… anything that will entice buyers to show someone how much they care. Even the little ones in school are prompted to give valentine cards to their classmates. Co-workers often do the same. Sadly, for many, Valentine’s Day becomes a show-off day instead of a “show your love” day. Still, some go to great lengths to find that special gift, the right moment and the special words to show their feelings.

But often, as soon as February 14th slips by, so do those expressions of love, kindness and friendship. Many lonely hearts await a word or an act of true love and/or friendship. Countless family members yearn for the affection of their relatives. Couples, families, friends are busy with the hustle and bustle of every day life and rarely stop to smell the roses and enjoy and nourish what they take for granted. Some quiet their conscience by getting expensive gifts on that special day and do very little the rest of the year to show they care; thus the loneliness in this world, and the longing for some real love and understanding.

Yes, it’s great to shower our loved ones with gifts and all kinds of goodies on Valentine’s Day. But it is often the little things done on a regular basis that matter the most. Often a smile, a hug, a simple call, helping with simple chores or just a loving note can cheer them up and let them know how much we care. Love is the greatest gift of all and it is meant to be shared. Never take it for granted. Never leave for tomorrow the good you can do today. Never underestimate the power of the simple things. They can brighten someone’s day, even save a life. They will brighten your life too, for the love and friendship you give out multiplies somehow and will go round and round!

Let love fill the air… on February and all through the year! Let love be your weapon to combat loneliness and despair. Be a love warrior today and every day and show someone you care!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2005