Love me tender...

Another year, another celebration of love. Once more the calendar marks February 14th- Valentine's day.

My lips, softly and tenderly kissed my loved ones this morning, wishing them a blessed day, as they awoke. I made sure they enjoyed a warm breakfast, before heading out in the bitter cold to face another work day.

Now, alone with my thoughts in the refuge of our home, I reflect on the moments and days gone by... the blessings, the challenges, the difficult situations I've encountered along the way and the resolutions to be more loving, more like Jesus. I reflect on the many instances I've not accomplished my goal, and the countless times I've faltered. The scene is not as bright as it ought.

In the wee hours of the morning I spoke to my friend, Jesus.
—Oh, how I wish to be more like you!—I whispered.
—I'm willing to help!
—Please do, Lord! I need you desperately or I'll fail.

Ever felt like you try and you try but you fail? If so, you get the picture.

I ponder the countless hearts that are out there... in the cold winter of their life, longing for love and tenderness, hungering compassion, searching for a helping hand, for a word of hope. I'm sure you've noticed them too. It seems unfair to learn about so many in dire need of the bare necessities of life. Multitudes are homeless; others face illnesses. Some have no hope for a better future. While you and I might not be able to change the lives of many, I'm certain that, by the grace of God, I can help at least some.

Each time I treat others with respect and dignity, each time I pronounce an encouraging word, every time I give the best of me to those I encounter on my path, I'll be spreading love, and joy and cheer and hope. The words of the Master and Savior, the Author of love, come to my mind: "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'-Matthew 25:40.

—Love me tender, my child. Love me tender... —I hear him reply.

So, all I need to do is love Jesus, love him with all my heart, mind and soul! For when I do, I'll see him in each person too: in the children, the young, the adults, the elderly, in the needy, the accomplished, the survivor, the struggling one, the friends and the unfriendly, the caring and the cold, in those who love me, and in those who've wronged me...

May I see Jesus in every person crossing my path today, for only then will I have accomplished the task and learned to love the way you do, dear Jesus, I pray. For then, each day, we'll truly have a happy Valentine's day!

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