Love and courage!

I’ve had all kinds of scary nightmares.  I’ve been repeatedly washed away in floods, fallen off tall buildings, chased by all kinds of critters, been late for exams. And I’d had my share of embarrassing situations when I am the only one with no clothes. However, as I have grown older, I rarely am naked in my dreams anymore.  Instead, I am merely way underdressed.  (That must indicate progress of some kind).

The scariest nightmare I’ve ever had was one in which I was known to no one.  I had no one to love – no family, no friends, no memories of loved ones. And no one who loved me.  Not only scary, this was the saddest dream I have ever had.

So it’s appropriate we have a day to celebrate love. Love in fullest form – affection, friendship, romance and the greatest, unconditional love (caring regardless of circumstance).

Valentine’s Day (or as my daughters call it, Singles Awareness Day) traces back to the end of Golden Age of the Roman Empire when Rome was facing revolts and invasions on its European and Asian borders.  The Emperor, Claudius, needing a strong army and believing that families would be a distraction for soldiers, issued a very unpopular edict banning the marriage of soldiers.

Valentine was a Christian priest in Rome at the time.  Rather than comply with the edict, he continued to marry soldiers in secret ceremonies at night.  When Claudius learned of this, Valentine was arrested and brought before him. The Emperor was impressed with Valentine’s conviction and his refusal to comply. To spare his life, he gave Valentine the option of rejecting his faith and acknowledging the Roman gods who were the state’s official religion. He refused and was executed on February 14, 270 AD.

So in the last minute rush for that special card or gift (which are readily available at your nearest Walgreens), let’s remember that it was love AND courage that gave us this day.

If more decisions were made for love rather than fear and actions were more principle–based than convenience-based, the world would be a better place.  So here’s to love. And to courage.  Happy Valentine’s Day!