This is the season of the year in which we celebrate Valentine's Day.  Normally we say that this is a celebration of love.  We usually think about romantic love first--guys and girls, husbands and wives, you get the picture.  I don't disagree with that, but I want to broaden it just a bit.  You see, I led a service at a nursing home this morning for 45 senior adults who are still pretty keen of mind even if feeble of body.  They are not into the sweetheart thing, by and large, but they would feel horribly let down and left out if there weren't something on Valentine's Day for them.

Many of them are still romantic at heart, but nearly all of them respond very well to another kind of love found in I Corinthians 13.  Here it is:  "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends."

In the senior adult community, here are some things which might be meaningful "valentines"  this week.  First, show a spouse, child, or a friend some patience.  What is your hurry?  Wait for someone.  We live in a rush-rush, hurry up community.  Why not take your time and be patient with someone else?  Next, try an act of kindness for someone.  We live in a world which is becoming less and less kind.  Actions are brutal, and the consequences of these actions are seldom considered.  A little kindness goes a long way.  Who knows?  Your act of kindness toward someone may just make their day or week.

Another Valentine might be to use good manners during your day.  Our world is not well mannered.  It is rude and crude.  Be respectful toward someone else this Valentine's Day and see what that might accomplish.  You know, like let someone go ahead of you to the dining area.  Pick up something which someone else has dropped on the floor and cannot reach down to pick up.  There are many of these little things which can become big things as the day wears on.  You can disabuse yourself of the attitude which says, "It is either my way or the highway."  Recognize that someone else might have a good plan or a good idea, same as you.  Another Valentine is to put on a smiling, pleasant face.  Don't be so irritable or  resentful of others.  No one wants to be around you when you are only resentful all the time.  Then be willing to bear, believe, hope, and endure all things.  Don't have the attitude that everything has gone to the dogs.  There is nothing worth doing or having anymore.  Life is really not worth living.  Instead, model just the opposite behavior.  Sure, we have our problems, but life here is really pretty good.  We have good neighbors and friends.  The staff is good, and they take good care of us.  You know, life is really pretty good--all things considered.

I want you to smile on Thursday and keep that smile on your face.  I want  you to feel affirmed, loved, and wanted this year.  That is my wish for young and old alike on Valentine's Day, 2008.