Out of the Mouths of Babes

After a particularly grueling, sleepless night followed by a long day, Tim was tucking the children into bed. Lacking his usual energy to pray with and for the kiddos, he hugged Nathan and offered just what he could muster- "God loves you, buddy." Nathan thoughtfully replied, "Daddy, God loves you, too." And with those precious words a grown man was reduced to a puddle of tears.

Sometimes, when you are squeezing out every ounce of strength to be a good parent, a loving spouse, a loyal worker, a friendly neighbor, etc., etc.; it's easy to overlook the simplest truth. We have not been left to draw from a limited well. We can only continue to pour out of ourselves if we are tapped into the Living Water, a renewable source that fills and overflows through us. Too often, I find that I have dammed up the well-spring of my own heart by becoming so focused on my obligation to love others. I forget to stand -arms outstretched, head up, mouth open- in the refreshing rain of the Father's love for me. God loves me, too. How easily I forget.

Here is my challenge to you. It is goofy, silly, maybe embarrassing but I double dog dare you to do it anyway. Find a quiet place -lock yourself in the bathroom, hide in a closet, whatever you need to do to get alone for 30 seconds. Now sing "Jesus Loves Me."

Do you believe it? Had you forgotten? Be reminded today. God loves you, too!