Will you be my...

Valentine?

Is Valentine a synonym for love?  In seems in the days we currently live in, it is easy to find an article, a politician, or place of worship telling someone that they are not worthy, they must change, they must do this or that, and that they are not loved.

Bahi, Buddhist, Christian, Islam, Hindu, Jewish, Native American are just some of the world religions, and most all of them have some form of the golden rule “do to others only what you would have done to you” (or some variation.) 

I do believe that in most every religion, there is also some form of teaching with regard to loving fellow human beings.  I am sad that so many times, humans seem to spend more time finger pointing and less time remembering that when you point one finger at someone else, there are three pointing back at you!

My first childhood recollection was in elementary school when we would hand make Valentine’s for everyone in our class and exchange candy and other treats.  I also remember making my mom a Valentine too.  My mom always liked the Love Is… comic strip.  So as far back as I can remember and probably since I could write I always intentionally signed any card to my mom; Love Is… MY MOM! (I still do today, she is 93.)  What does the day mean to you?

Valentine’s Day, for some, may seem like just another day of exacerbated by the commercialism of it all.  For those whom are single, it can be a bit overwhelming and perhaps shallow.  Perhaps it is time to assign some new values to Valentine’s Day.

Maybe it is a day for everyone to pause and reflect upon those who have made an impact in their life.  Maybe it is time to pause and reflect upon the good things that have happened in your life (and be thankful for the bad things that have NOT happened in your life!)

Love can encompass so many wonderful people, places and things; Friends, family, pets, loved ones, experiences, journey’s, homes, sacred places, faith, forgiveness, acceptance, and…

This February 14^th I encourage you to share a message of love with yourself, with someone you love, with someone whom you have not reached out to in sometime.  And if you have the courage, to someone you don’t know, yes that is right, a stranger!

To the world you may be only one person, and to one person, you may be the world!  We can be the change we seek in this world. and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One Valentine’s Day at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as a Multifaith Chaplain with Inclusive Life.  He studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and with the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. Chaplain Royal shares two important messages: You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.  And: Now is time in this world that every human being is called to life up the weak, offer a hand UP to the impoverished, cherish our elders and stand up for the oppressed. 

Chaplain Royal officiates weddings and funerals in Iowa and Nebraska.  He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, pastoral care and hospital visits.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care: serving all, without exception!   Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, Pastoral Care, and Pathways Worship.

CONTACT US:

info@inclusivelife.org

www.inclusivelife.org

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402-575-7006

105 S. 49^th Street Omaha, NE 68132

500 Willow Ave Council Bluffs, IA 51503

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