I was a new teacher before I got my hands on a copy of a great book about learning almost everything we need to know about living while in kindergarten.  I can remember reading with intensity as I recalled learning almost all of the lessons shared in my own kindergarten class!

Now, as an educator with a few years "under my belt", I now look at things a little differently.  Oh, don't get me wrong!  I still think that I learned a lot of different life-long lessons from a half-day class, chocolate milk at break time, and a teacher with the proverbial 70's beehive on her head.

Its just that I can now see how all those life lessons all lead back to one central theme-LOVE.  Of course it is not the type of love our society wants us to think of, but the kind of love that seeks others before self!

That's a difficult thing in today's world as we are constantly bombarded with ideas and concepts that emphasize selfishness, personal gain, and getting ahead in life.  Through experience I have come to realize that it is the opposite that is true.  Sacrifice and selflessness have proven to win out every time!

Boy, to think of all the heartache I could have saved myself since kindergarten had I comprehended that my teacher was right- it is not going to hurt me to love others more than myself!  In fact, it will probably benefit me for a long time to come and maybe even stick with me for a lifetime.

So, as we celebrate Valentine's Day this month, take a moment with me to think about how we can love others for the rest of the year.  If we do, I'll bet we will have a better year!