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. His reply 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.
Getting
your priorities straight during Thanksgiving.
so, who is this guy called The Sage?
