By Charlene Ashborn
|
If you’re like me, whenever you think of February, Valentine’s Day immediately comes to mind. On this day, individuals are encouraged to recognize and celebrate that most renowned of emotions—love. Those who are married may wish to consider attending retreats on behalf of World Marriage Day. The notion of recognizing marriage was conceived by Roman Catholic couples in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They successfully petitioned that city’s mayor, their Bishop and the state governor to designate Valentine’s Day 1981 “We Believe in Marriage Day.” (This event fell under the auspices of Worldwide Marriage Encounter, an organization which sponsors weekend retreats designed to strengthen the bond between husband and wife and between a couple and their faith.) The event proved so successful that within one year, it was proclaimed and celebrated in 43 states and many U.S. military bases throughout the world. In 1983, the second Sunday in February was officially designated World Marriage Day, the event’s new name. (This year, it’s celebrated on February 12.) |
Growing beyond its Roman Catholic roots, the ensuing years found people of different faiths adopting World Marriage Day, establishing their own retreats. Broadening World Marriage Day’s outreach encompasses its perpetual theme of “Love One Another,” an ideal espoused by diverse religions worldwide. It is hoped that World Marriage Day retreats will have a positive impact on participants and, in turn, those they come in contact with. World Marriage Day is just one example of how to honor love. Married or single, there are always the more traditional methods, including dinner, jewelry, or candy. (Note that abstaining from the giving of candy might be considered more loving if the recipient is trying to lose weight and/or participates in a fitness program. For example, I exercise regularly yet I still receive candy as a gift on holidays. While I do work out harder in an effort to burn the extra calories I consume, I know there are other ways to motivate me that don’t involve sugar and fat!) While many people assume that Valentine’s Day is only for “couples,” broadening your concept of love—for family, God or a Higher power, friends, animal companions, nature—affords every individual the opportunity to celebrate it, and not just on one day of the year. As someone with pessimistic tendencies who has adopted this concept, I realize this can be a challenge, but as with any new skill, with practice, it gets easier. I hope that by finding more to love, I’ll have more love to share. As Buzz Lightyear of “Toy Story” fame might say, “Happy Valentine’s Day—and beyond”! |