Strength to love well

Jesus reminds us that we need to love God with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind. In other words, we need to love Him with all of our being. He also tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Enabled from this love relationship with God, flows our love for one another. Love is the most powerful force in the universe.  

Babies thrive on love from the moment you hold them. They sense love in your voice and in your touch. I was watching a 10-month old baby the other day leaning into his mom with sloppy kisses, attempting to show her love. As they grow into toddlers, they instinctively come to you for hugs and kisses. We were wired to love and be loved. 

How can you show love to your children? In our family, we have even come up with a secret hand squeeze so that in public we can tell each other of our love by this double squeeze. We started doing this when my son was seven and now we all squeeze each other's hands, shoulders or arms. It’s our family’s covert reminder of our love for each other.  

When was the last time that you told your children that you loved them? I sometimes tell my son, “Use your words.” As a parent, use your words to say, “I love you,” and then reinforce it with an action.  

Think of ways this week that you can show love and continue to show love to them. One of my mentors used to tell me how he would often ask God to remind him how much He loved him. Spend time with God and then ask Him to show you how to love your children. Love your family with your words, actions, gifts, touches, time and sacrifice. And let them love you back. It’s a beautiful thing to behold and enjoy.