I Love You!

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.