Lessons in Love from the Little People

My dear friend Karen host Love Thursdays over at Chookooloonks, hence the heart shaped piece of chicken in my post. My children look for hearts in everything now, and I never miss a chance to see and experience love through their eyes.

When I selected the word Endure as my theme for the year, I had no idea I would be put to the test of living the meaning of endure so soon into the new year.

Honestly, it has been difficult to focus or be creative lately. Things that used to inspire me no longer inspire. My children have been inspiring me lately (please reference the heart-shaped chicken breast my son discovered at my birthday dinner). Their expressions of love make my tender heart feel so full. I have been observing them more, listening to the conversations they have with each other, and here is what my children are teaching me:

• Unconditional love is real. All you have to do is look on the eyes of a child to understand the depth of love they have for you.
• Love is expressed in more than words. The first thing my kids do when the come in the door from school or me from work is hug me and tell me how much they miss me. Sometimes, my middle child will have a picture for me and there is always a heart somewhere on the paper. My son has left action figures in my purse and I do not find them until I get to work. My oldest, at 16, gives me a few moments of her time to tell me about her day and to ask me about mine. I love them for hugging me, thinking of me and giving me some of their time.
• Love always brings you back together. My two youngest frequent argue about something, but I have noticed they do not stay mad at each other for long. Eventually, they come back together and start playing again as if nothing ever happened. They miss being in each other’s presence and that longing and love brings them back together in spite of made them mad in the first place.

Hmm, what do you think about that? I would say children are wise beyond their years when it comes to love and I am thankful to have three little people to teach me how to love more and be loveable everyday.