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Dear You, You Are Worth Loving

By Bonnie Gray • February 13, 2014 • 44 Comments

“The hunger for love is more difficult to feed than the hunger for bread.” Mother Teresa

This world can be such a noisy, hurried place.

Life can get really complicated.

But, no matter what we’ve given up , what we’ve yet to find, or where we are in life, there is one thing we can always be sure of.

We need love.

We need to love.

We need to be loved.

Love Worth Cherishing

My four-year-old son Caleb’s been bringing me home lots of preschool Valentine’s Day crafts this week. Pre-cut hearts in pink, red, and white Elmer-glued on construction paper.

If you saw this at the store, you wouldn’t even look twice at it.

But, you didn’t see him today.

You didn’t see how he banked sideways running over to me from his classroom door, with that silly grin, how he cocked his head to one side, closed his eyes in dramatic eyelash flutters, stuck his arm out with his work of art. “Look Mommy, I made this. See how BEE-U-TEE-FUL it is!”

Then, he throws his whole body headlong into my arms, as I knelt to welcome him to me, knocking me off my feet.

He knows I’m going to stick a pushpin to his artwork, put his work on display in the family room and fawn all over it.

It makes me happy to see him so confident. He knows the love he gives is good.

He is sure the love he offers will be received. Implicitly.

I want that memory to be imprinted onto his soul.

So that even when one day, when he discovers love isn’t always requited, he will believe somewhere within his unspoken memory that love is still worth giving. That even though he is hurt, he’ll love again knowing know how beautiful and good it is to be loved. His love is still worth cherishing.

Being Loved Right

And then, there is Josh. He’s the eight-year-old big brother. He likes Star Wars Lego and he’s been asking me please, can I learn kungfu or karate? since he strated second grade.  Josh doesn’t bring home crafts any more. But, I actually want to make something for him. Something simple. Cut out some hearts on construction paper.

I want to tell him he’s lovable and a sweetheart to be with. I want to write it down, because he can read now. To give him chocolates.  And maybe some gummy worms too.  So that he too will have memories of being loved. And noticed.

So that when his heart begins to awaken to puppy love and crushes, he’ll be implicitly drawn to someone who is emotionally giving.  And when he discovers that not everyone turns out to be the way they appear, his heart will be able to mend because he’ll somehow believe he’s worth being loved right and well.

We are human and we all need to love — and find it received.

We are all made with flesh and blood — and we all need to be loved.

Now, that we’re all grown up, none of that has changed.

Dear You,

I’ve been thinking about you this week. I’ve been wondering how you’re doing. And what all is dancing in your heart when you’re looking into the morning of a winter sky. And when there is a quiet moment, maybe as you’re finishing up folding the last of the laundry at night before you go to bed, are you sifting through the day, going over every nook and cranny of the hours that have passed away?

Today, the day before Valentine’s Day, I want to tell you something.

I think you are amazing.

I think you are daring. You get up. You face the world — and you love another day.

You are stronger than you know.  Because sometimes, letting God love you might mean extending yourself the kindness you give to others, yet also secretly long to receive.

The rejection you felt when someone disregarded your ideas, your wants or your best intentions.

You are worth loving.

Your love is still good enough to be given.

Your love is still good enough to be received.

If we could sit across from each other, you would see how very appreciated you are.

You would see how much your stories mean to the world. To your friends. Your children. To God.

Thank you for receiving me.  Here.  Reading between the lines.

For lending me your hope.  For being on this journey together.

Whispering To You

This Valentine’s week, don’t let any of the voices that swirl around you keep you from listening to that still small voice.

Who is you.

The you God made.

The you God sees. Hears.

Then, turn to the trees standing bare in winter.  Or look up at the clouds swirling in a thick quilt blanketing the sky.

And if it’s starting to rain on asphalt where you stand, look down at the cherry blossoms that have floated onto wet ground during the dark at night when you step out from your car in the morning.

God may be whispering to you through the beauty you see —

Look.

Do you like it?

I made this. For you.

Do you think it’s beautiful?

I love you.

Then, open your heart.

So God can run into your embrace.

So He can find that His love is good enough.

For you to receive.

Let him love you.

Today.

“And while he was still a long way off,
his father saw him coming.

Filled with love
and compassion,
he ran to his son,
embraced him, and kissed him.”
~ Luke 15:20

~~~~~

What are your thoughts on love leading you this week?

Pull up a chair. Dear you. Click to comment.

~~~~~~

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*Next Thursday 2/13/14 Writing prompt:
Love. Share your thoughts on love the day before Valentine’s Day. Let’s be present with each other this coming week.

*Today’s Thursday’s 2/20/14 Writing prompt :
Finding Your Voice

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44 Comments

  • Reply Kevin February 13, 2014 at 4:58 am

    Love completes me like nothing else can.

  • Reply Marina February 13, 2014 at 5:05 am

    Really good words Bonnie! So good to hear your voice! 🙂
    I have had a few weeks of giving myself permissions… To not feel guilty if I don’t read everything that comes in my inbox. I missed both of my blog deadlines this week too. I’m not sure what’s up with this! It’s busy, for sure. We are sitting on the cusp of a pregnant daughter and her hubby and five kids moving in while they find a house here. It will be loud and messy, but love will flow wild and funny again! I’m excited and scared and keep reminding myself I love these grandkids more than anything I own. More than the polish on the floors, the glass bowls on display, or the curtains on the windows. I will know it was a successful season when they are gone and there are smears on the windows, coloring on a wall, and I can’t find my garlic press or the lid to the pot…and I’ll miss them – I can feel that already – that too quiet that’s left in the house.
    Oh goodness… Words have snuck away! I SHOULD pribably blog on this!! Lol.
    Love your heart!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 1:19 pm

      Sounds like life is calling you. REAL life, as you’re living it — right where you’re at. You’ll find your rhythm as you fill your story with real memories. Take time for you, as you take care of your family.

  • Reply He Said, She Said and What Really Happened | Enthusiastically, Dawn February 13, 2014 at 5:37 am

    […] the month of roses, red, chocolate and hearts. Bonnie, at Faithbarista has given us the prompt “Love” to write about and share. I have been thinking back to […]

  • Reply Veronica February 13, 2014 at 5:44 am

    Ah, the topic of love. It is one of my most treasured words …those 4 little letters knitted together created humanity. Had God not Loved us, He would not have created us.
    Your posts read like love letters to your readers. Life is hard, but it is a gift.

    My favorite love quote is Gandhi’s “Where There is Love, There is Life.” Our spirits wouldn’t be able to thrive without it. Thank you for the gentle reminder that LOVE is worth giving. Love is God’s gift to us, and our gift to one another.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 1:17 pm

      “Life is hard, but it is a gift.” I love that, Veronica.

  • Reply Judith Di Stefano February 13, 2014 at 6:18 am

    It took me years, however, I finally get it! I am in a single season, but I feel His love daily. I have learned to surrender and rest in Him. I now ALLOW Him to love me and woo me, where I was way too busy to notice. This is the best Valentines knowing my suitor is the King of Kings!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 1:16 pm

      I hope this season will lead you on new journeys, Judith. So many stories to be lived — through you.

  • Reply Trudy February 13, 2014 at 6:39 am

    Beautiful, Bonnie. Thank you. 🙂 I love the thoughts of opening our hearts to God so God can run into our embrace. I need more of that openness.

    Bravo for you for breaking the cycle. You are a mommy who makes sure her kids know they are worth being loved. 🙂

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 1:15 pm

      yes, I want to be the mommy I wish I had.

  • Reply Brenda February 13, 2014 at 6:50 am

    Thank you for the most beautiful message. Today is my birthday, and your message is very healing for me. I am so thankful that You are doing better. Hugs

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 1:15 pm

      Happy Birthday, Brenda! Hope your heart is filled and your day is special. ‘cuz you are!

  • Reply bluecottonmemory February 13, 2014 at 7:36 am

    Oh, Bonnie – I love this from the top to the bottom! Makes me want to write love notes to my boys!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 1:14 pm

      love your post on invisible ink… love is the best letter I write. wonderful to have you join the faith jam.

  • Reply Colleen February 13, 2014 at 8:27 am

    Bonnie,

    Just beautiful! Love is everything…..and when we love with God’s love , this extends into eternity!

    God bless you and your beautiful family!

    Happy Valentine’s Day!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 12:56 pm

      Thanks, Colleen. Love, love, love! Happy Valentine’s Day!

  • Reply Flowers: Messengers of Love | Health & Home & Heritage February 13, 2014 at 8:28 am

    […] with the Faith Jam, the Homemaking Party, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, the Weekend Brew, Spiritual Sundays, Sunday […]

  • Reply danyalle February 13, 2014 at 8:45 am

    Thank You! I love that pic. of Papa running into my arms as I open myself to Him.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 12:55 pm

      Yes! It always gets me. That scene. Powerful.

  • Reply Lisa notes February 13, 2014 at 9:04 am

    “The hunger for love is more difficult to feed than the hunger for bread.” Mother Teresa

    You got me at the quote, Bonnie. Much to think about with that. Also I need to think about your son’s valentine, how “he knows the love he gives is good.” I have so much still to learn from the youngest among us.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 12:55 pm

      Yeah, I’d never seen this quote before and it grabbed me as well. I’m thinking about this quote.. it’s making me think about how I’m parenting and what I want to do more of.

  • Reply Barbara Irwin February 13, 2014 at 9:08 am

    I am reminded of a day 20 years ago when my 16 year old son was standing in the family room with tears he was trying to hide. An older male mentor of his was moving out of state and it hurt. I said that I knew why he was hurting and that I hurt with him. But I also told him he was going to have a choice to make. I told him that some people won’t open their hearts and make friends because it can hurt a lot if those friends aren’t always there for you. But that’s part of earthly friendships. I said that eventually this hurt would get better and he’d be left with the good things he’d received from this man. Then I asked him to think about it. He came to me a couple days later, saying he’d thought about it and chosen love and friendship even with the potential for hurt. He has carried out that decision to this day. I love seeing his godly loyalty and his kind, compassionate attitude. Loving relationship–a way of expressing God’s life.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 12:54 pm

      Wow. That’s a picture of how I want my words to speak into my sons. Thanks for sharing this mommy-and-son scene with us, Barbara.

  • Reply Nancy Ruegg February 13, 2014 at 9:11 am

    I greatly admire the way you’re intentionally investing love into your boys. You’ve given us a worthy example to follow. Thank you also for speaking love into us–that we are worthy to be loved, and our love is worth giving. God bless you, Bonnie!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 12:52 pm

      Investing in love, no matter how imperfectly is always worth it. Happy Vday, Nancy.

  • Reply Wendy February 13, 2014 at 9:47 am

    I adore your writing today Bonnie. As I take timeout recovering from an operation on Monday, I am lying in bed dwelling, dwelling, dwelling on my need to be cherished and allowing Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, a deposit within me, to do just that, in ways I don’t even know. For no eye has seen, or ear has heard etc., BLESS YOU Bonnie. What a tremendously brave blessing you have been and continue to be to so many xx

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 13, 2014 at 12:50 pm

      I hope you’re recovering well, Wendy. Thanks for stopping by.

  • Reply Angel @ Finding The Inspiring February 13, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    Thank you Bonnie, for being transparent, for sharing your heart and encouraging all of us to do the same. You are a blessing!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 15, 2014 at 9:57 pm

      Sweet Angie, I hope you’re having a good Vday weekend. You’re loved!

  • Reply tinuviel February 13, 2014 at 3:55 pm

    How precious that you did that for your son! My dad always gave us some little Valentine’s gift when I was growing up, and it made me feel special and shaped what I desired in a husband in later years. I’m so sorry you didn’t have that experience with your parents, but praise God that you are giving it to your boys. Happy Valentine’s week to you, Bonnie! You are very much beloved.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 15, 2014 at 9:58 pm

      Aw… that’s what I want my boys to have … memories of being loved. You are *SO* blessed to have that. You know what it feels like. What a dad you have. Hope you have a restful weekend., friend!

  • Reply HisFireFly February 13, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    love you
    and the heart He allowed to break
    so He could heal it with His love inside!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 15, 2014 at 9:58 pm

      I love, love, love this poem you wrote here. It’s happening, and you describe it straight from the heart. how did you know, girl!?!

  • Reply Tessy Moon February 13, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    Thank you Bonnie for these beautifully written words of truth. My aching heart and thirsty soul needed to hear these truths today.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 15, 2014 at 9:59 pm

      Hi Tessy! I hope you’re having a soul-loving weekend. Be good to yourself. You’re beautiful, loved and cherished. No matter what!

  • Reply Susan February 13, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    I find myself over and over again these days reminding myself that I am loved. Your post today touched my heart. Broken hearts take so long to mend.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 15, 2014 at 10:00 pm

      Yes, Susan… it does take time… we’ve got to help eachother take care of ourselves. We need to cherish our hearts that way God does… It’s a journey… and we’re on it together. Love to you…

  • Reply The power of presence February 14, 2014 at 2:39 pm

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  • Reply Debbie February 15, 2014 at 5:19 am

    Beautiful Bonnie! I think Caleb would fit in perfectly in our preschool class. We’ve been making lots of Valentine’s crafts all week. The kids get so excited to bring them home to mom and dad. When I look into the sweet faces of these little ones I pray for them silently. Each one comes from a different background and set of circumstances. But I am thankful to have this time to spend with them and teach them and love on them.

    I had a lovely Valentine’s Day with the children all day and then with my husband after that. A beautiful day for which I am thankful. The Lord however is the One who gives me a heart of love. As I know and feel His love, I can’t help but let it overflow to others.

    I’m so glad I got to link up with you on this one.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 15, 2014 at 10:02 pm

      Debbie, it MAKES a difference — you being present and filling their days with your smiles and your sweet voice. I know itmight not seem so.. those preschoolers, I wonder sometimes if they get 1/2 of what I’m doing! 🙂 but, I know from working through my own memories, that in fact it DOES make a real dfference. imprinting unspoken words and feelingsinto their hearts. They don’t even know it, but it does. We don’t know what goes on back at home… really. So, keep being you!

  • Reply Alison February 16, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    iM FINDING IT VERY HARD TO SEE MYSELF HOW GOD SEES ME, TO LOVE MYSELF HOW GOD LOVES ME, GOD IS USING ME TO REACH OUT TO YOUNG CHILDREN AT OUR CHURCH AS IM HOPING TO GO TRAVELLING OVERSEAS TO WORK WITH STREET CHILDREN NEXT AUGUST 2015 AND IM SORELY LACKING CONFIDENCE I SEEM TO HAVE REVERTED BACK TO HAVING AN INFERIOR COMPLEX WHICH ISNT GOOD AT ALL AND I JUST DO NOT SEE WHERE I FIT ANYMORE. YOUR EMAILS REALLY SPEAK TO ME !!!MY DEAR MUM PASSED AWAY LAST YEAR SHE WAS 92 I’M SO BLESSED TO HAVE HAD HER FOR SO LONG BUT I MISS HER DREADFULLY, I FIND IT HARD TO LOOK BACK WHEN I WAS LITTLE AS IT IS PAINFUL FOR ME WE DIDNT HAVE ALOT OF TIME FOR EACH OTHER, I KNOW HOW MUCH SHE LOVED ME BEFORE SHE PASSED AWAY AND SHE ALSO KNEW HOW MUCH I LOVED HER, WE SHARED AN INTIMATE 5 MINS WITH EACH OTHER WHICH I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE WITH ALL MY HEART. VERY PRECIOUS.

  • Reply Writer’s Block | Adventure Hounds February 16, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    […] week’s writing prompt at Faith Barista is, because of Valentine’s Day […]

  • Reply Libby February 18, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    Deep breath and posting this comment here as a first step to writing what is coming straight out of me as I have conversations alone with Jesus…
    Love

    To be loved by you, Jesus…
    It’s something I don’t understand. I try and it overwhelms me.
    I once thought you weren’t with me.
    It was terrifying.
    To be loved by you means you are with me.
    Never to leave.
    Never to walk away from whatever place I find myself.
    Here in the now you are with me.
    In those times when I wonder if anyone could ever want to be with me if they could read the dark thoughts in my head, you are there. Yet I wondered. Really? Are you there? I know somehow you are there.
    “I will never leave you” was burned into my brain as a little one to carry with me forever. But when I say your name…are you there?
    I know you know my every thought, you know every part of me.
    Yet where are you? I want to know you are here.
    This pit is so dark. This night so black. I am scared. Is this what hell is?
    What can I do to be close to you? What do I need to understand to sense you here?
    I realize I might be too loud – my thoughts too busy to hear your voice.
    So I stop and listen. I ask, what do you want to tell me?
    I love you.
    I continue to listen and wait thinking and knowing there must be more.
    Again and again – over and over:
    I love you.
    I LOVE YOU.

    First, frustration at hearing something so simple. What else??!
    But then I see. And it hits me like a big wave. I need to sink back into it. I am scared. Will I drown? What if my thoughts and fears crowd in?
    Let go.
    Let go and sink.
    I lean back into this love. My feet come up and the wildness of it takes control.
    I am tempted to fight it. To stand again or use my own strength to do or experience this love. But I realize then, it is me controling how I receive it.
    No more. I must let him take me where it will go. Where he has planned. Into the deep of it. At times I wonder if I will understand. I wonder if I will die in the process of this lesson of love.
    What will become of me? What will happen?
    It is wild. It is strong and powerful.
    It is deep.
    As far as I can see, hear, feel and experience it is there.
    Never ending.
    Nevers stopping.
    And yet it is here, now.
    Every moment of every day.
    Be loved – he tells me.
    Sink into it. Stay in it.
    Be loved and be whole.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray February 20, 2014 at 4:15 pm

      Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful out of dust. This is a new beginning. I feel so honored you’d share this here, Libby. Now, you can put this on your blog and link up next Thursday — if you feel prompted and freed to do it. Only if you *want* to, not because you should. (hugs)

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