Happy Valentine’s Day, All!
Yes, of course I know it is Friday … so … T.G.I.F.!!
Life really is just a moment … and, as xylophonists Roy Ayers says in his song, “You better enjoy it!” Even in circumstances that appear rather challenging … even difficult sometimes … one can find “the love” in ourselves and in others! One thing I don’t like to do is complain. My father never took too kindly to that during our formative years there in the Winbrook Projects in White Plains, NY where I grew up. I always admired how much he and my mother displayed love for each other … and themselves. Now, I know they had some tough times that I may not have even felt or noticed, let alone understood. But it is in times like these for me, that memories and thoughts, even gestures of “love” keep me going. Valentine’s Day like most days celebrated in this country has become commercialized. In other words, people have figured out how to market this celebration.
Yesterday, I had several acts of kindness shown to me by people whom I know well, and by people I don’t know so well. Before my yoga class, the body works instructor, Tammy, took a minute to tell me that she has always noticed and admired the positivity in my attitude, in my e-mails as well as posts on my blog and Facebook. She told me, “John, you are always trying to lift people up spiritually … I see that in you! Yet, now, you have to employ some of those same techniques, practices and attitudes in order to deal with your present circumstances!” Thanks Tammy. Later in the day, I spoke with a friend who used to work for the same marketing company that I worked for recently. He gave me a tip on how to get “foodstuffs” of a high and decent quality from a local community outreach sponsored by Faith Center here in Ft. Lauderdale! Thanks James. Still, another friend whom I have “spoken” about in these pieces, Bobby Schulman, has assisted me with some important finances including gym membership and help with rent until I can balance the unemployment compensation with some side hustles … legal, of course! Another good friend, Burke Wortman, has invited me over for dinner. A long time work/”family” member, Marie Achille, has been relentless in her efforts to help me with odd jobs and legal hustles, too! One thing about me that I’ve learned over the years is that I am never too proud to ask and receive help from caring others, whether they are in similar circumstances as I may be facing or in better circumstances. Thank you, thank you, thank you … ALL!
“Though I speak with the tongues of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal, 2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing. 3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love), it profiteth me nothing. 4) Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth … 13) And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” – I Corinthians 13
So, as I hear multiple stories of “charity” also known as love, including a Habitat for Humanity story here in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where a charitable organization donated all the furnishings for a new single parent family of females, including food in the cabinets and refrigerator, I encourage us to not forget the meaning of “charity”, which is love! If I may, I’d like to wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day! Remember the true message of “love”!
Peace and Love,
John I. Cook, Director
Educational Excellence 