Love is in the Air

By, Rev. Howard C. Earle, Jr., D.Min.

I was making one of my regular trips to Meijer last week and noticed out of my periphery a large amount of red. I thought nothing of it at first. And then I happened to pass the floral section and the greeting cards and hit me! It’s Valentine season. Once it clicked, I saw hearts, flowers, bears, candy, and all the other accoutrements germane to the Valentine season. I even felt myself smiling as I noticed the box sets of cards for school-age children. The Valentine class parties were the best because these were major candy hauls! Love may not have been the focal point for our festivities as much as the reprieve from class work and the opportunity to swap cards and candy. Who knew Spider Man, Batman, Snow White, and all the others were such big fans of Valentine’s Day? Even though there was no love and romance, genuine friendship and community undergirded our celebrations.

I’ve been blessed to celebrate a few dozen Valentine days so far. Every year I buy my daughters a bear and candy, which reminds me I need to do that before they’re all sold out. Through the years I’ve purchased, as well as received, my share of cards, flowers, candy, and other sentimental gifts. Perhaps as you read this blog, your home may have the aroma of a fresh bouquet of flowers, or maybe there’s a new bear to add to your collection. But there’s also the possibility that there will be no card, candy or bear this year, like last. Or there hasn’t been any for some time. And so, here you are in the season that celebrates love with no Valentine.

One of the most consistent aspects of pastoral ministry is grief. I’ve spent practically all my adult life with a front row view of grief in the lives of individuals and families. In January 2022 I embarked upon my own grief journey and I found myself experiencing all of what I read about and shared with others. I’m sure I’m no different from you in finding that holidays and festive seasons make a loved one’s absence that much more pronounced. Perhaps you’re pondering the question, “What is Valentine’s Day if I have no valentine?” Does it become just another day on the calendar? If we allow commercialism and pop culture to be the authorities on all things Valentine’s Day, then the Valentine-less can easily become Scrooges of the lovers’ day. But we won’t let the marketing machines decide who Valentine’s Day is for.

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and the last time I checked love isn’t reserved only for couples. In fact, Cupid, the Roman God of love, is not the authority on love. His arrows and marksmanship don’t decide who is worthy of it and who isn’t. Whether you have a valentine or not, love is always in the air! You may no longer have your spouse or partner, but you are still loved and capable of loving. Love and Valentine’s Day may look different now, but it’s still love, nonetheless. So, lean in and reconnect with your inner child. Expand your celebration of love to one of friendship and community. How about a class party? Not that I looked all that close, but I don’t recall seeing an age limit on the merchandise. So why not buy a box set of Valentine cards and candy sweethearts and pass them out to all your friends. There’s plenty of love to go around and you have lots to give!