My Valentine

We are Here by debgrant

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