Valentine's Day: greeting cards, candy, and flowers are the tangible symbols of the day. I recall the decorated shoeboxes that we had in the elementary grades to receive our valentines from our classmates. And I remember trying to decide which one would get the various cards: a few special ones for a few special girls and not too mushy for the boys. But we gave cards to everyone, an early lesson in caring for every person equally. And then as we matured, it became a romantic holiday with gifts for a select person.

Originally, St. Valentine's Day recalled the martyrdom of one of three Valentines, each of whom sacrificed his life in the service of Christ for the benefit of others. So in some ways, giving tokens to everyone equally may come closer to the original observance. I'd rather celebrate the presence and power of love than so many other things that call for our attention these days.

This heart was carved on a rock in Minnesota, near the Mississippi River.