Token

A token...an outward sign or expression; something serving as indication or proof of something else. 

We use tokens every day...a subway or arcade token, a token word, a token of gratitude or thanks, a token gesture, a token of affection.

What are some of these tokens, and what DO they express, indicate, or represent?  Do you think about what you are really saying with your words and actions? What tokens do you give?  A word of thanks, an encouraging thought, a considerate action.

"Love talked about can be easily turned aside, but love demonstrated is irresistible."~~W. Stanley Mooneyham

Over the next several days (and for at least the past week or more), everyone is focused on love and affection....culminating in ONE day...Valentine's Day.  The legend of St. Valentine had its beginnings in a priest who cared for the sick, writing "from your Valentine" to a blind girl he treated. Then, the association with romantic love came many years later with Chaucer's writing, eventually evolving in today's practices of celebrating, with cards, candy, flowers, etc.

Think about what tokens of our love and affections we give, both at this time of the year, but also when the whole culture isn't laser-focused on it, to those we wish to communicate these feelings to.  There is an entire language for flowers, what the color, size, type all represent to the recipient.  We attempt to put into words the depth and breadth of our feelings to the people we cherish most, with cards, notes, letters, text messages, emails.  We demonstrate, physically, how we feel through hugs, kisses, the holding of hands.

"The manner in which it is given is worth more than the gift."~~Pierre Corneille

Whatever token we choose, and whenever we choose to bestow these upon those beloved ones, we must consider this:  our tokens of love and affection, whether it be a kiss, hug, or something more tangible, should be granted as often and expediently as permitted, reminding those who receive these tokens how they are treasured, loved, cared for. 

HOWEVER, the most exceptional benefit of this token-giving, is that we, as the token-givers, are the more fortunate, for having those whom we wish to bestow them; and enriched, for the experience and opportunity to demonstrate our sentiments.

"Life is short and we never have enough time for gladdening the hearts of those who travel the way with us. Oh, be swift to love! Make haste to be kind!"~~Henri Frederic Amiel