My Valentine
My Valentine by debgrant
Just before graduating from seminary, a classmate asked me what my goal was in life. I immediately said, “I want to change the world, don’t you?!”
Such a naive goal for one human, but also grand and glorious, lofty and courageous.
The poet Amy Lowell would call it “a heaven-born castle shattered to the ground.”
Another writer would call it “being too heavenly minded for any earthly good.”
And they would be right.
Imagine starting a relationship with that goal? What if I said to a new pup, “I see what needs to be changed about you, and I will change you.”
What if I said it to new acquaintances, “I enjoy hanging out with you, and I want to do that more because ultimately I want to change you.”
Imagine a couple making their vows of marriage, saying, “I want to change you.”
I confess I have participated in trying to change dogs and friends and countless people and witnessed the harm that results, no matter my best intentions.
AND I have witnessed the power of love.
I no longer want to change the world.
I want to love it.
This is my vow, my Valentine to the world ‘til my dying day.
I love you. Even when it is hard, I will love you.
Peace,
debgrant


I love this ❤️ and needed to hear it 😌🤟