Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday. For those of you who don't know, this is a holy day in the Catholic Church that begins the Lenten season. Catholics receive the sign of an ashy cross on their foreheads to represent the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. In Lenten tradition we are asked to sacrifice something of ourselves in order to become closer to God. Another option that I have recently been privy to is to take up something for the betterment of others around us or for ourselves -all with the idea that we are sacrificing a part of ourselves so we can be one step closer to God.
In honor of Lenten tradition I have decided to both add and take away something. Other then trying to keep my room clean (so my roommate doesn't think she lives in a barn) or give up soda, I'm going to try to love others. Truly, honestly and faithfully. I realized that I needed to show others how much I care for them. No better time then today.
Ironically, in this Christian time of sacrifice, a not-so-holy holiday takes place-Valentine's Day. This Hallmark-created holiday is full of inevitable ups and downs. The roses you see and the tears that are cried are done so silently. Valentine's Day is the epitome of commercialized and dramatized love.
Valentine's Day, (otherwise known as Black Monday and Single-awareness Day,) is a day in which we plan ahead to make it perfect for our significant other. We spend mass amounts of money on teddy bears, flowers, jewelry and chocolate and then we go forth to woo the heart of another. It's all lovely and romantic, but I also find it to be somewhat superficial.
When Romeo was falling in love with Juliet and proclaiming his love for her, did you see him whip out a teddy bear with a heart that says I love you, or a brand new cell phone with a red ribbon? No. Instead you heard the love in his words and in his actions to be with her forever.
Romeo was no pansy -this man was not afraid to love; instead, love became his air.
In light of this, I have a challenge for you today. This is for all of you faithful-mushy-gift buying-lovey-dovey Valentine's day-junkies -perhaps this year, we can make a real sacrifice.
We can sacrifice our hearts.
Love is a risky thing. You have two options before you jump into a relationship, 1. Take it slow, feel the situation out, then fall in love, or 2. (in my opinion the ONLY way) Just fall head over heals for someone and jump right in. Don't think about the consequences, just feel.
Whichever sort of lover you are, this Valentine's Day, let's give our hearts to the people we love, regardless of what the consequences might be. Let's forget, if for one day, about ourselves and live for others. There is a difference in hearing someone and really listening; take the time to listen and feel what they are saying to you. Give someone a big hug and a kiss on the cheek and show affection that you might lack during a normal day. Let Valentine's Day become a holiday dedicated to showing the love and appreciation for another person, not just how much money you can spend on them. Love cannot be measured with any currency system.
Even for those who have no significant other, today can be the day you write a letter to your best friend and tell them how important they are to you, or call up your family and tell them what they mean to you. Love is not discriminatory; it's a broad word with many levels.
In this season of sacrificing for others, let's all be open to the possibility of making a difference in someone's life. Last Wednesday, millions of Catholics around the world shared the mark of Jesus's sacrifice for them. It was a reminder of how much He loved us. Today, millions of people get to share in the experience of not just gift giving, but the art of loving. Happy Valentine's Day.
-Alex Jabs is a sophomore English major. Send her an e-mail at alexandra.jabs@ohiou.edu.
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