This
Valentine’s Day you will probably either send or receive a Valentine
from someone. More than a billion are expected to be given away in the
United States alone. But just like many of our holidays, there’s a lot
more behind it than just cards and gifts. There’s a true life story.
It’s a story that teaches us a lot about the true meaning of love,
sacrifice and commitment.
In the third century, the Roman Empire was ruled by Emperor Claudius
II Gothicus. He was nicknamed Claudius the Cruel because of his harsh
leadership and his tendency for getting into wars and abusing his
people. In fact, he was getting into so many wars during the third
century that he was having a difficult time recruiting enough soldiers.
Claudius believed that recruitment for the army was down because
Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families behind, so he
canceled all marriages and engagements in Rome. Thousands of couples saw
their hopes of matrimony dashed by the single act of a tyrant. And no
one seemed interested in standing up to the emperor.
But a simple Christian priest named Valentine did come forward and
stood up for love. He began to secretly marry soldiers before they went
off to war, despite the emperor’s orders. In 269 AD Emperor Claudius
found out about the secret ceremonies. He had Valentine thrown into
prison and deemed that he would be put to death.
As Valentine was awaiting execution, he fell in love with a blind
girl, who happened to be the jailer’s daughter. On the eve of his
execution, with no writing instruments available, Valentine is said to
have written her a sonnet in ink that he squeezed from violets. Legend
has it that his words made the blind woman see again. It was a brief
romance because the next day Valentine was clubbed to death by Roman
executioners.
St. Valentine gave his life so that young couples could be bonded
together in holy matrimony. They may have killed the man, but not his
spirit. Even centuries after his death, the story of Valentine’s
self-sacrificing commitment to love was legendary in Rome. Eventually he
was granted Sainthood and the Catholic Church decided to create a feast
in his honor. They picked February 14 as the day of celebration because
of the ancient belief that birds (particularly lovebirds, but also owls
and doves) began to mate on that very day.
It’s surprising to know that Valentine’s Day is really founded on the
concept of love in marriage. On This Valentine’s Day, what are you
doing to keep the love in your marriage burning? While giving a gift and
card, having a candlelight dinner, and sharing special words of love
are all important, the true spirit of Valentine’s Day needs to last
throughout the year.
Here are some ways to bring more love into your marriage:
- Schedule priority time together. Pull out your calendars and set a date night every week or two just to spend time together and talk. (Note: movies don’t count.)
- Laugh together. When was the last time you shared a funny story and chuckled with each other? Loosen up and laugh freely. Live lightheartedly!
- Play together. Find a hobby or activity you both enjoy—fishing, bowling, tennis, hiking, or biking.
- Be romantic together. Send your spouse a note of encouragement in the mail every once in a while just to say “I love you.” Spend one or two weekends away each year, just with your wife. (No buddies allowed.)
While Valentine’s Day is a good time to put a spark back into your
relationship, the only way to fan the flame of a good relationship is
for every day to be a Hallmark moment.
What are you doing to fan the flame of love in your marriage? Please share your comments with me.
source: http://www.markmerrill.com
No comments:
Post a Comment