For our household, February brings a number of birthdays, a number of milestone anniversaries (together with Neil’s demise in 2015), and naturally, Valentine’s Day. However plenty of individuals don’t relish that heart-filled vacation. For those who’re grieving somebody you like, you in all probability wish to costume in midnight black as an alternative of pink. For those who aren’t in a romantic relationship, it’s possible you’ll wish to keep below the covers and ignore the day.
The fashionable interpretation of Valentine’s Day love is romantic, but it surely doesn’t should be. There are a number of varieties of affection. Sure, eros, romantic love, is one in every of them. Neil and I had some superior February 14ths through the years.
However there’s additionally storge, the familial love between mum or dad and little one or siblings. When the women have been residence, we at all times had flowers and valentine’s sweet for the entire household.
Philos is the loving affection between shut mates. My finest buddy often sends me an e-card to remind me she cares.
Agape is unconditional, selfless love – the form of love God has for us and that we’re known as to follow on this planet. And I actually do imply “follow” as a result of we are going to by no means be capable to love as completely, fully, and completely as God does.
So, what if this 12 months, on Valentine’s Day, we follow agape and use our beneficiant spirits to assist another person?
- Consider one one that wants additional loving kindness.
- Resolve one thing concrete to enhance their day. It may be so simple as praying with them or as intensive as providing them a meal or just a few hours of your time.
- It may be nameless however not secret – they should know somebody considered them even when they don’t know who the somebody is.
What do you suppose? Up for the problem? Take a second at the moment and give you your plan; you’ll get as a lot out of it as they do. And I’d love to listen to the way it goes!
This publish initially appeared on Colleen’s private weblog and is reprinted with permission.
Colleen Arnold is a household doctor, a widow, and a mom of three younger grownup daughters. She enjoys hanging out with household, writing, studying, and strolling. You’ll be able to learn her weblog at ColleenArnold.org.
