How God Loves You

I was visiting at my daughter and son-in-law’s home. Taking a break from life and hanging out with their family and especially entering into my 6-year-old and 4-year-old grandkids lives is such a delight for me. I’m sure it’s a window into what heaven is like. And it’s oh-so-much-fun with the “That’s mine!” and the “Allie took my ball!” and the “Why did you take off your closes?” statements. If you’re in the season of raising kids you know how challenging it can be.

Monica and I decided to take the kids to the park. It was time for “Go get your shoes on.” Jacob my 6-year-old grandson asked, “Daddy, are you coming to the park with us?” Kyle said, “No, I’m going to stay home.” Jacob vehemently protested, “Noooo, I want you to come to the park with us!” Kyle said, “Jake, come over here, son.”

At this point I was really pulled in and watching. Jake wanted one thing but Dad wanted another. I was expecting Kyle to say something about how he had work around the house to do or that he was tired or that Jake just had to understand that he was staying behind or Dad doesn’t want to go or… some other excuse we adults give kids. I was expecting him to have a talk and “reason” with him.

But this is what Kyle did: He tenderly picked Jake up and put him in his lap. With Jake securely in his arms, he said, “Jake, I love you” and kissed him on the forehead.

No explanations. No excuses. No trying to validate his decision. Just “I love you” with a hug and a kiss.

Wow. It really hit me. I can’t remember that ever happening for me as a kid. As I watched intently, sadness and love and delight were all mixed together.

Instead of trying to convince his son that he needed to stay back he just validated his love for him.

And you know what? Jake didn’t say another word about it. We went to the park, had a great time, and returned home. No more protesting.

Kyle used love to affirm his son.

Isn’t that what God does for us? He doesn’t always give us what we want or ask for, but He always loves us. Always. Unconditionally. Even when we protest. Even when we don’t like what He’s doing. Even when we don’t fully understand our circumstances. He loves us.

“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.”

– 1 John 4:16

God loves us.

Hear this today, God loves you.

For more from Lucille Williams check out her books The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace, and for your marriage, From Me to We, and The Intimacy You Crave. And on preorder Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6. We invite you to subscribe to LuSays today for weekly encouragement.