A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

 

  

 

 

 

Chuck and Henry sitting on the porch
How great the heart within us burns

When love we give...to us returns

 

 
Three Little Words
Volume XV, Issue 34 
August 24, 2015 
Recently something special happened.
 
One evening our son-in-law and daughter came over. Mallory carried Baby Violet, who looked about with wide-eyed amazement, and Jon had our 2½-year-old grandson, Henry. After dinner, we talked a while---well, not Violet---and Henry and I watched Cars (for the million-eth time).
 
As they prepared to head home, Henry made his rounds to say, Goodbye. He ran to Beverly where he got lots of kisses, then hurried to me for his great bear hug. I wrapped him in my arms and held him tight. His duty to Gigi and Seanair now complete, he bounded off to Mommy and Daddy.
 
Then Henry stopped, turned to me, and said, "I love you."
 
It is difficult to describe how I felt at that moment. There was surprise, of course, in large part because he's still learning how to speak. I've been thrilled with his attempts at Seanair (Scot Gaelic for Granddaddy). But there was much more than merely being surprised.
 
Every now and then Henry and I walk together, play together, and watch movies together. I listen as he tells me about his day, the latest boo-boo, and many things I almost understand. He's grown to trust me. Does he always do what I say? Noooo. But I love him and have great hope for him.
 
To see him look at me and say, "I love you,"---well, it's just an amazing rush of emotion.
 
That got me thinking. How does God react when we sincerely tell Him, "I love you"?
 
God cares for His people and over time has revealed more of His nature and character. When He chose to express Himself in human form as Jesus---Immanuel, "God with us"---He opened up even more as to who He is...who He has always been.
 
God is Lord and Master, but He is also our Heavenly Father. His desire is not to sit around making rules, but to share His love. He wants a deep relationship with each of us. Not with this group or that country. But with you and with me.
 
Jesus revealed this side of God's nature and character. He spoke of God not as a distant, divine ruler to be feared by His subjects, but as a caring Father to be loved by His children.
 
So, how does our Heavenly Father react when we sincerely tell Him, "I love you"?
 
Since we are created in His image, He reacts in a way similar to how we react. His heart fills with joy and peace, patience and kindness, goodness and faithfulness, gentleness and grace. Sound familiar? It is the fruit of His own Spirit who lives within us. (see Galatians 5:22-23)
 
When Henry said, "I love you," my heart reacted in much the same way and I wanted to shower him with my love. As great as that made me feel, I can only imagine how much greater and deeper our Heavenly Father feels when we stop, turn to Him, and say, "I love you."
 
Have you told God lately that you love Him? Do it right now. Trust me. It will make His day...and yours.

Take care & be God's,

 

Chuck
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