On a shelf above my desk sits a jar of hearts. I have collected these hearts of different sizes, colors, and materials for many years. My collection has been accumulated from places around the world. Each heart represents a person, place, or memory. Some were shaped by the hands of artists. Nature is responsible for the creation of others. The colorful menagerie of these shapes reminds me of the abundance of love in my life. Some are gifts, others I have bought. My favorites are those I have found, the sea shells, rocks, and pieces of bark organically in the shape of love. I view the hearts found in nature as a wink from my Higher Power. Mountains and beaches are laden with hearts. Recognizing love is easy if you open your eyes to it.
Little gestures are as valuable as grandiose acts when sharing love. The crumpled foil heart made from the trash of my daughter’s lunch says just as much to me as the tiny blown glass one. Both were gifts of her affection. Life is full of love. Receiving love can be as simple as grabbing hold of it. The emotion, at times, is outward and obvious, and at other times, it has to be looked for to be seen. A heart is the shape and symbol of love. Like love, this shape can be stumbled upon, made, gifted, or kept. My jar of hearts ensures that I never forget that love is present. Love abounds in all places, perhaps not as expected; nonetheless, love surrounds us no matter where one goes.
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day tomorrow. Remember to look for and share signs of love all the other days of the year. You, too, could end up with a jar of hearts.
