Live Every Day As Valentine's Day

Being out of the country for three months, I didn’t miss US television (just American Idol!) When I did get a chance to watch a few shows here, I noticed something that really bugs me. So many programs feature people judging each other, and judging each other horribly!

On Biggest Loser, I saw people vote their friends off the show. On the political talk shows, I listened to politicians bash each other. Even on Idol, it is painful to see young singers crushed by criticism.

Somehow, we Americans have decided it is okay to publicly put each other down. What happened to the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you would like to be treated”? Or “Love one another, as you love yourself?”

Of all my Valentine wishes, I pray we continue to support each other, praise each other, thank each other, count on each other. Our lives are too short to be divided or in conflict. I think we all agree, that whether at work or home or at the store, being kind to one another is the best practice.

I believe we are here to love. Love ourselves, our families, our friends and in fact, love everyone who shares our day. Love shows up as kindness, courtesy, honesty, respect and positive energy. May your every day be Valentine’s Day. (Pictured here with a friend on my birthday.)

Forgiving and Loving

In 2001, the Dalai Lama answered a question during a Peace Pilgrimage in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As one of the participants in the multi-nation, multi-faith event, I was curious how he would respond.

An American woman said, “I have studied Buddhism, and think it is such a wonderful philosophy. So reasonable, so peace making. I think I should become a Buddhist. Do you recommend conversion?”

True to his easy manner, the Dalai Lama first smiled and chuckled.

“Where do you live? Is there a Buddhist community near you?

The questioner replied, sadly, that her Illinois city had no Buddhist center or community.

His Holiness asked, “What places of worship are near you?”

“The closest church is Episcopalian,” she replied.

“Well, then,” he smiled, “Go be the best Episcopalian you can!”

Vividly remembering this wise advice, when traveling, I typically worship with whatever religious group is nearby. On Sunday, this meant I prayed with a United Methodist Church in Yalesville, Connecticut.

Here are two of the prayers we read together, which I feel are most worthy of sharing.

Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, we enter your presence confessing the things we try to conceal from you and the things we try to conceal from others. We confess the heartbreak, worry and sorrow we have caused, that make it difficult for others to forgive us, the times we have made it easy for others to do wrong, the harm we have done that it makes it hard for us to forgive ourselves. Lord forgive us through Jesus Christ.

Prayer of Dedication of Tithes
God of surprises, you grab our attention in the midst of life’s crises and reversals. As we return to you these gifts for your work in the world, we covenant with you to live as part of your blessing on others, as a manifestation of your love. We pray this through your grace shown us in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Whoever your guru is…Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, Mother Nature….it seems forgiving and loving others is a Universal Practice we all can follow.