Good evening.  May all of you have a most blessed one.

Valentine’s Day is this coming Saturday.  What a wonderful day to enjoy such a pleasant holiday.  If you’re truly fortunate, you can actually begin the festivities Friday evening. 

According to legend, a priest who married Christian couples against the decree of a roman emperor was martyred north of Rome at Via Flaminia on February 14 sometime between the years of 269 thru 273.  Emperor Claudius II was not a Christian and aiding Christians during this period was considered a crime.  Very little historical documentation exists concerning this priest’s life except his death.  This man sacrificed his life in the name of his devout Christian faith and the most blessed state of matrimony.  Saint Valentine had considerably more faith in marriage than many of us do, today.  Sure, all of us can certainly relate to the more romantic aspects of courtship but when the day-to-day hassles and personality clashes start to surface, many of us are ready to cut our losses and pronounce our union’s “death”.  Struggle, sacrifice and compromise aren’t usually part of many individual’s definition of marriage.

Personally, I have not found anyone who’s been worth “going the distance with” nor has it been one of my top priorities.  Just having a warm body next to me every night that I can’t relate to on a spiritual, emotional or intellectual level isn’t my definition of “an ideal union”.   If I die a “spinster”, so be it, as long as I’m “a happy one”.  I know too many miserable married women and I have no desire to trade places with them.  Good marriages are worth far more than their weight in gold.  Compatibility is as important as commitment.  Without it, why bother?

Alas, life as an “unattached” female is not all that bad!  Sure, it can get a little lonely but it affords me the necessary time and space to concentrate on issues that are important to “only” me.  Not all people are meant “to grow or evolve” within an intimate relationship.  Some of us are more equipped to “go it alone” for whatever reason.  When I want to pamper myself, I know exactly what to do.  I buy myself flowers all year round because I appreciate their beauty.  I know what types of jewelry enhance my mood and appearance. An occasional spa treatment is very relaxing when performed by skilled professionals.  Believe me; all spa technicians are not equal.  When you find a spa with stable, competent personnel, stick with them!  Loving yourself is just as important as loving others.  Don’t let anybody tell you anything to the contrary.

Regardless of your marital status, remember that as long as you can think, feel and breathe that someone loves you.  God created all of us in his own “divine” image.  As long as we honor and respect one another we’re perpetuating his “legacy of love”.  Good vibes bring out the best in most people.  Valentine’s Day is a good time to practice some “unconditional love and acceptance”.  Let’s spread some good cheer.  GOD YOU ROCK!!!

May Peace Be With All of You,