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| our peach tree is blossoming |
A man died today. Well, February 14 c269 a man died. He was a Roman Christian in the early church. He helped persecuted Christians under the reign of Claudius II when it was illegal to do so. He married young couples in Christian ceremonies when it was illegal to do so. He was arrested.
Eventually, after refusing to give up his faith, and even trying to convert the emperor, he was sentenced to death by bludgeoning. When he didn’t die that way they cut off his head.
Legend says he also healed his jailor’s daughter who was blind, and wrote her a note before his execution signed, Your Valentino.
I’m guessing his last thoughts before the ax severed his head were not, “Gee, I really hope Hallmark monetizes my name in order to sell more crappy cards and I hope my memory will make those who aren’t in a relationship feel really crummy that they are alone, and I hope that women will get angry at men for not buying them gifts in my name when I’m remembered.”
Once today was about remembering a brave man who with God’s help did many good things. A man who died for his faith. A man who cared about young people and young couples. A man who loved God and others very well. Perhaps he did hope that his life and death would give others courage to do what is right even when opposed. I’m sure his life was lived in service to others and he hoped those he disciple would do the same.
So the chocolate is fun, and the notes, and the flowers…
How about in his memory we try praying for the blind and see if God heals them? Or stand up for, defend and aid the downtrodden and persecuted even if it gets us into trouble? How about even we give thanks for the marriages we have and commit again to love our spouses in sacrificial ways?
(I’m asking myself this also, in case you get the idea that I think I’m cool or something)
Just a thought.
What is a fitting remembrance on a day such as this?
Am I just a total buzz kill?
5 thoughts on “Fitting Remembrance (Or why I’m no fun)”
I spent some time thinking about how to better love my spouse sacrificially, and it was high time that I did. Love is fun and easy when it's fluffy and lacy and smells good, but it's REAL when it sweats, weeps and occasionally gets it head cut off (which it does, in a marriage). You've made me think even more, so thank you.
xo
M
…not a buzz kill at all- I love flowers (and I got some pretty tulips)- but sacrificial love is even better (thanks for going to work today husband- it's hard to deal with death every single day…- he's a hospital chaplain)
You're not a buzz kill at all, but even if you were, you would more than make up for it with your humor: "Gee, I really hope Hallmark monetizes my name in order to sell more crappy cards." I love it!
And yet sacrifice is hard. So it is never going to "sell" (which is probably good) and we'll always need people like you to bring it up and risk being seen as sour. Thank you.
…not a buzz kill at all- I love flowers (and I got some pretty tulips)- but sacrificial love is even better (thanks for going to work today husband- it's hard to deal with death every single day…- he's a hospital chaplain)
I spent some time thinking about how to better love my spouse sacrificially, and it was high time that I did. Love is fun and easy when it's fluffy and lacy and smells good, but it's REAL when it sweats, weeps and occasionally gets it head cut off (which it does, in a marriage). You've made me think even more, so thank you.
xo
M
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