Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! I can freely say that here, because there are all kinds of love. Love of a spouse, parent, child, close friend, pet or life. A person who wants to share happiness and not negative energy. And you can express love in many ways!

In the workplace, it may mean bringing in bagels, donuts or a healthy lunch for your staff. At home, it may mean buying candy, flowers or a card for a special person, or calling a friend to say "I love you."

But, saying Happy Valentine's Day to a total stranger may be the most impactful. Maybe it's an older woman, who recently lost her soulmate, or an older man, struggling to remember what day it is. It could be a parent whose child died tragically, a young child, bullied at school, the only one who didn't receive a Valentine.

Perhaps it is a recently displaced worker, who has to choose between Hallmark Cards or a dozen eggs and gallon of milk for the kids. Or a LGBTQ adolescent who has not told their parent(s) about their internal struggles.

Corinthians 13:4 reminds us that "love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

So, as you begin your Monday morning, be kind and patient, because there is someone out there who wants to forget today is Valentine's Day. Remind them that they are loved!