In the present socio-economic and political climate, Valentine’s Day celebrations ought to be more meaningful and longer lasting than the traditional flowers and chocolate. Here are some creative ways to express your love to various members of society:
Ash Wednesday: This year, Ash Wednesday is on February 14, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. This marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter, which is on March 31 this year.
Ash Wednesday – officially known as the Day of Ashes is a day of repentance, when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to God. During the Mass to commemorate this day, a priest places the ashes on a worshiper’s forehead in the shape of a cross.
Economic times: All of us have been hit hard by the ever-rising cost of living. Let us all accept and love each other by stopping the wastage of meagre resources available.
Politicians: It is high time our politicians and governments showed us love by not making empty promises, paying taxes and dealing with all corruption claims and scandals decisively.
Our leaders’ lack of love is responsible for the elusiveness of our countries’ prosperity and development. Let us hope they are not cooking any scams this Valentine’s Day.
Also Read: Love & Religion; Managing Interfaith Relationships in a Modern Society
Share Valentine’s Love with the Hungry
The hungry: With the ongoing food crisis and crop failure due to climate change and economic policies, starving families do not need over-priced red roses, cards, chocolates, wines and other gift items.
All they need is food to prevent malnutrition and death. Therefore, you can donate food or cash to the buy food to the needy.
Additionally, you can buy someone vegetables and flour instead of flowers and chocolate.
HIV and AIDS: If you love yourself and your significant other, know your HIV status.
The virus and disease are with us and millions of affected or infected people need care and love. Let us purpose to not spread the virus during Valentine’s.
Parents and children: Children and parents are encouraged to exchange messages to emphasize their strong bonds of love. Family counsellors advise parents to initiate the exchange of love messages to help their children understand family love.
Also Read: Embracing Love Beyond Tribe; Breaking Cultural Norms for a Unified Future
Gifts of kindness, compassion, respect and thoughtfulness teach children that love means much more than three words (I love you) inscribed on the gifts. It is important to help children express love and friendship in ways that transcend materialism.
Mother Nature: Our lifestyles are destroying natural resources and emitting greenhouse gases. We are responsible for climate change and global warming which threaten our own existence.
As such, let us show love to Mother Nature by going green living, an eco-friendly lifestyle with least negative impacts on the environment. After plucking those roses, plant some more and other trees.
