2.14.2012

爱, 爱慕, 爱好; 爱

February 14, 2012


 Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is a holiday observed on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. It was first established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD, and was later deleted from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI.
The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards(known as "valentines").



Today is the day of LOVE! Amour! Amor! Liebe! αγαπώ, έρωμαι! לאהוב; לחבב; להיות מאוהב; לרצות מאד! любовь!  sevmek!  ליבע! No matter the language, it means the same all over the world. It's universal. It spans cultures, races, genders, & creeds. 

I was watching a very interesting documentary about life after death. One of the experts, who dedicated his life and career to researching the topic, had a near death experience himself. He delved deeply into investigating many other near death experiences and when interviewed, he disclosed that the most important thing in this life is love. It seemed to be a recurring theme among those who had died and come back to life. The experience after one's heart stopped beating was often described as "the most loving or love filled or all encompassing love" experience one could imagine. He goes on to urge everyone to love as much as you can here on earth. Enjoy your relationships. Cherish them. And make an effort, a conscious effort, to go out into the world and behave lovingly towards everyone. He said that it's really all that is truly important. LOVE. Can it be so simple? I believe so. And if you've read my blog for a time, you have read it here before.

How many of us have chased dreams with the intention of finally gaining that which will bring us true happiness? This car. That house. Getting married. Getting a promotion. Having a baby. Retirement. Travel. Chocolate covered strawberries. {Oh wait! That's just me?} Anyway. Has any of it brought you to true happiness? Yes, I enjoy toys. I love my husband, kids, family, and friends. But, they cannot fill what is empty inside of me. I believe that there is a God-shaped hole in every one of us. And until we invite Him in to fill that void, nothing will bring us true happiness. 

So, what's love got to do with it? {Sorry, I couldn't resist. I bet you're singing it in your head right now. aren't you? You're welcome!} When God fills us, He does so to overflowing. And what pours out? Yep. You guessed it. LOVE. He gives us an abundance to be shared and given. Not just when it's easy. Not just when it's deserved. Always. Imagine what would happen if the world just loved. Unselfishly. 

Happy Valentine's Day my friends. I pray that today your God-shaped hole is filled to overflowing with love {and a little chocolate wouldn't hurt either.}

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." Luke 6:27-28



"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1Corinthians 13:13


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