Do you tell the special people in your life that you love
them? Love is a powerful thing. It can be expressed through words and
actions. It is important to never miss
an opportunity to express your love.
After my Dad’s passing, I was heart broken, emotionally
drained, and physically exhausted. Carefully,
I drove our Dodge Caravan onto the lane of I-44 traffic on my way home. I was thinking about my Dad. Scattered memories of Dad teaching me to ride a horse, Dad making
home made ice cream and eating it drenched with home made chocolate syrup, Dad
and I watching professional football games together, Dad holding his first
grandchild, and then…
I wondered, “When was the last time I spoke with Dad, when
he was still coherent?”
I inhaled in surprise as I recalled the final words my Dad
and I shared. I can still hear his voice.
“I love you, Dad!”
“I love you, too, Sis!”
Tears streamed down my face dropping in my lap. It could have been any conversation: harsh
words, happy words, or sad words, but it was I love you! I am so glad I followed my heart that day. I
will always treasure this memory.
The day after my Dad passed my husband wrote a thank you
note to our son-in-law, Jeff, thanking him for taking good care of our daughter
whose heart was breaking over the loss of her grandfather. Jeff canceled part of his weekend with
friends in Branson to return to be with Stephanie in her time of need.
“Come read this card.
Tell me if there is anything you want to add.” asked Steve.
As I carefully read the words, I noticed that a few very
important words were left out. I picked
up the pen. I wrote, “We love you
both!”
I looked up at Steve and smiled. “We can never tell our
loved enough that we love them.”
A few days later I was visiting with a friend. In those moments I felt God prompting my
heart to tell this friend something important.
“I just want you to know that I love you.” We hugged.
I walked to my vehicle, opened the door, sat down in the
seat, and shut the door. I, then,
reached for my cell phone to check messages.
I have a Bible application showing different scriptures on the
front. John 15:12-13 appeared.
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have
loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his
life for his friends.”
I stared at my phone with blurry eyes. A tear dropped from my eyes and fell on my
cell phone. At that moment I felt like
God hugged me. It felt so peaceful to
let God shine through me and to know I had been obedient.
The scriptures tell us that God is love. Do we really understand just how much God
loves us? I know I don’t. As I strive everyday to build my relationship
with God, I come to feel the height and depth of his love more and more. And I want to say I love you Jesus not only
for what you do for me, but because you first loved me! I am truly living a blessed life.