Taking The Violence Out of Valentines
It's happened again! Another
desecration of another holiday. Is nothing sacred any longer? The archer
has now begun his move. The archer seeks to be heard....to be recognized
as a contributor in our society. We appeal to you, the public...do not respond.
Fight this one!
It's come to our attention that
arrows are appearing in many Valentine hearts. We ask you to avoid those
Valentine Hearts with arrows. We have enough violence in our communities.
We have too much violence within the home and within "love" relationships.
It's time to take a stand. It's time to boycott hearts with arrows.
Parents...we turn to you for help!
Christians...we seek your support. Archers, lay down your weapons. Enough
is enough. Bring Valentines day back to the love level for which it was designed.
Drive out the violence. Leave your weapons behind! Valentines' Day is
a time for peace, sharing and caring.
And with that dissertation, The
Ol' Sage sat down. The P.T.A. meeting came to an abrupt period of silence.
A heavy-set mother sitting in the back of the room stood to agree with the
Sage. She suggested picket signs be made and a march planned along the road
of the indoor archery range...the one located on Dirkson Parkway. There was
a clamor of support. Plans were made and Magic Markers were drawn. The
stand had begun.
The meeting ended and the parents
clammored to talk with the old man. He talked briefly with them...just enough
to further stir the fire to action. Then he was ready to go.
I gave him a ride home. There
was a big smile on The Ol' Sage's face as he shared more of his thoughts....
"I love to get 'them' Heartland Folks stirred-up!", he began. He continued,
adding that the Winter is boring along The Lincoln Trail. It's only right,
once in a while, to give the folks something to occupy those quiet Winter
months...something to stir the soul. He had waited for the right moment to
begin the Valentines' "stir". He enjoyed his success.
Then suddenly a bit of reality
slipped-in and a sadness swept over his face. His eyes watched the passing
sprigs of wheat hanging on...battling against the Winter winds. The gray
clouds seemed to dampen the cheeriest of spirits. I asked if he was O.K.
He replied with a weak 'Yes". He eventually spoke..."Valentines' Day is
a time for love, family and a gentle caring.spirit. Yet here in The Heartland
we have parents who don't care about their own children. We have parents
who are too busy with their own needs to see their child's needs. We have
adults ready to attack the juggler of the archer but ignore the neglect at
home or next door. It's a strange new world. We live in a world that needs
Valentines' Day. It needs to learn to love again and care for it's own."
And with those thoughts we were
at the cabin. I dropped The Ol' Sage off. As he turned to leave the car,
he asked if I would write you for your help. Celebrate Valentines Day, he
asks, by helping others. Celebrate the day with cards and candy, ofcourse....but
more. Celebrate the day with your good deeds. Celebrate the day with loving
actions that will lighten the load of a "burdened" child or adult. As we
make the hearts around us a little lighter, we will truly be walking in the
shoes of The Fisherman...our greatest Valentine.
Use your fingers to touch these words. No arrows...please.
