After all, it’s Valentine’s Day – more about him in a minute. First, a reminder of something that you all know – the person at the top of your love list needs to be yourself. A highly successful, much-loved, confident friend starts every day in front of her mirror. She kisses both shoulders, reminds herself that she loves her and begins her day feeling wonderful. As a child, she was put down by her mother, who was very fair, for her appearance. I like the idea of a positive morning greeting as we move into our day.

Now – St. Valentine. Around 265A.D the Roman Emperor Claudius made it a law that young men were not to marry as he felt they would fight with more abandon in war if they didn’t have a wife and family to worry about. St. Valentine put his life on the line to secretly marry and minister to couples in discrete locations so the Roman soldiers would not find out. When he was found out, he refused to recant his beliefs and was put to death. How, he’s become a symbol of love – not romantic love as much as agapé – love of humanity.

It feels like we all need agapé right now. With the world in turmoil and too many people feeling overwhelmed and anxious, many people are throughout the world are simply mean. In this month dedicated to love, if you’re feeling down, tired of negative news and displays of anger and hate, counter with kindness.

The smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference. Taking time to say hello or simply smile when you pass your neighbors is a good start. Holding the elevator or the door. Saying thank you when someone holds the door for you.

A recent article in The Atlantic points out that we’re spending more time than ever alone. This is a good time to build – or rebuild a sense of community. Get involved in local service projects. Join a book club or a walking group or a theater group. Some people have formed lasting friendships because they were always seated in the same area as other TDF members.

Perhaps an ocean of kindness can turn this mountain of nastiness into grains of sand. Perhaps we’ll just create islands of kindness where we can relax. It’s worth a try. After all, St. Anthony is still having an impact.