Transparent Christian Magazine

Lucy is a wide-eyed wonder in my life right now. Two-and-a-half and as curious as can be, my niece’s personality charms each friend and stranger alike. She often asks people she’s just met, “What’s are your name?” Beware: she’ll persistently pester till she’s gotten an answer, but only because she wants to be your friend. Her nature is oddly polite for a child her age as she often opens the door if she sees someone coming and encourages family members by telling them “you can” do this or that – as if we need her permission to get a cup of coffee or sit down in the chair next to her.

Of course, Lucy has her “two” moments, with an attitude that, in those instances, could likely lead a toddler rebellion. But overall, I’ve yet to meet a kinder little one. I’m a bit biased, though. Can you tell?

Know what one of Lucy’s favorite things to say is? “I love you so much” – with emphasis on the “so.” We’ll be riding along in the car talking about her day at preschool or the games her brother and she have been playing. Out of seemingly-nowhere, she pops it: “I love you so much!” Her surprise exclamations prove sweeter to me than just about anything: a sudden pay raise, an extra day off, a special dessert – you name it. Give me “I love you so much” any day over an ice cream cone or a little extra cash in my pocket.

Our God screams, “I love you so much” every day.

Do you realize it? Are you listening?

A summer sunrise gently whispers it.
The provision of daily bread faithfully reminds.
Breath in our lungs, good health and safety state it clearly.
The embraces of loved ones serve as tangible signs.

And most of all, knowledge of the cross stands as ultimate proof: He loves us so much. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

How? When? Where will He tell me today? How will I respond?

I don’t know about you, but often – far too often – my mind gets full and my activities too prevalent in life. I forget to take the time to listen; I miss far too many I-love-yous.

Perhaps we can each find at least one moment today to slow down and look for His love reminder. That’s truly my prayer: that we all hear Him, in some form, and echo a worthy response through both our words and actions.

For me, it may come again through the mouth of two-year-old Lucy, who unconsciously proclaims our Father’s affection. “Out of the mouth of babes…” What a miracle.