I Love You

February is known by Valentine's Day--the love month. I suppose one of the busiest days in the year for selling cards, candy and flowers--and for telling those we love that "I love you."

Saint Paul in Ephesians says: "...that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love."

Rooted. Grounded. Steady. Firm. Permanent. Non-wavering.

How am I loved?

• My husband tells me he loves me many different ways. Some of my favorites are:

1. Short notes of affirmation that he loves me. 
2. Random bouquet of flowers. No special reason/holiday for them, but a flower (or more) appears on my countertop. Doesn't matter to me whether they are bought or picked on our hobby farm somewhere--they're loved and always bring a smile.
3. A touch of his hand. We can be traveling in the car, and he'll reach over to clasp my hand. Just for a second or two, but love that reassurance that, yes, he still loves me. 

• Sons. What precious gifts God gave us when he gave us these two! Ornery, yes. Mischievous? yes. But smart, fun, loving, respectful and loyal. I love that they call on Dad and Mom for prayer when they have a request. I love that their dad is their hero. I love that they talk with me about my books and give me ideas. I love that they're in our lives. Thank you, God!

• Grandson Jonathan. He's such a precious little fellow.

1. He went to therapy with me a few times and loved going. Now he thinks he's my therapist's assistant. Loves to instruct me in exercise (may only be for minutes--or even seconds! 
2. Love it when he turns to me for comfort. 
3. Love it when he calls me "Gwandma."

• Older grandsons, Blake and Wes. How I love when I see the good in them! Their love of church. 

Blake is smart and is an excellent student, earning awards and praise for his academic efforts. He's considerate of his grandparents. Well dressed and does his chores fairly promptly.

Wes is a friendly guy, a pro with smiles and cameras. He's usually a willing helper and loves to work with his hands and stay busy. He gets along well with most people, and I love his hugs!

• Church and Friends. Love notes from friends and our church family that express their appreciation and love for us. I can always tell when one of the young ladies in our church writes a card or note from the church: "Words can not express what you mean to us." (Or words to that effect.) Their care for us, their gifts and encourage mean the world!

• God's love for me. What better show of love than to give the dearest thing in your life for willful man? "For God so loved the world that he gave his ONLY begotten SON..."  

What greater love! I can not imagine giving one of my sons or grandsons to die. Unfathomable! What immeasurable love God has for his creation!