Her. {I love you.}

Her. Just, her. This one. She is seven tomorrow and how do I even begin to describe how this girl lights up my life and brings JOY beyond my wildest imagination. I’ve often remarked that her middle name should have been Joy, because although she’s shy at first, she slowly blooms, eyes wide and face upturned and curls spilling down her back, and she is pure LIGHT and wonderment. I am enchanted with this girl. 

There are so many things that make her spectacular. She is incredibly tender, kind, compassionate, loving. She’s usually more selfless than me.  She is a true peacemaker, constantly seeking to bless others, constantly thinking about how her actions might affect others. She has an amazing sensitivity to the Spirit, listening quietly to His voice, and eager to pray and intercede for others. She’s smart, funny, and super athletic. She picks up new things with ease. Yes, all these things.

Because I find myself naturally praising her so often, once I asked her: What means the most to you, that mommy says? Is it when I tell you you’re kind? Or loving? Or funny? What? What do you like most that mommy tells you? 

You know what she said? 

I like it most when you say, “I love you.” 

That’s it. I love you. And isn’t that what we all long to hear? More than “You’re so smart, or talented or gifted or creative. More than things about us, don’t we just long to hear those simple words, “I love you.”

Because the truth is, more than we desire to be praised, we desire to be loved. [bctt tweet=”More than we desire to be praised, we desire to be loved.”]

Anyone can stand back and objectively assess our strengths. Anyone can praise us from afar. But only those close up can love us. The real thing we crave is relationship.

And Heidi, this is what means the most to me. Our relationship.

I loved this year when Daddy was in Africa and we had a special beach trip, just you and me. I loved riding the carousel with you (above), and how you sat at my feet while I was speaking at that workshop (ha!) and sometimes poked your head out and smiled at the audience!

I loved it when you ran your first race this year! How we held hands the whole time, and you ran so fast you beat your brother! I was so proud of your courage, and loved being right there with you.

I love having our early-morning Bible times together, every day. These will always be some of my very favorite memories–just you and me, with our books and Bibles. I LOVE having this time with you each day.

I love how, when I had to go away for that conference in Colorado, you were sad about us missing our Bible time together in the morning, so you made the paper cut-out version of me, complete with Bible, the words “I love you Heidi” coming out of my mouth. I know it was hard for you to see me go but I was so proud of you, being brave. I will save this paper cutout forever!

I love this, when we were camping and goofing off and being silly. I LOVE that you are always silly and you help me remember to laugh. 😉

I love how you sit with me while I write. I wonder how many thousands of words I have written with you on my lap???!

Heidi, I love you. I love being with you. It is pure joy to be your mommy, and I love having you with me every day. Happy birthday my sweet girl!

Praise is wonderful, but today perhaps there’s someone in your life who just needs to hear, “I love you.”

Thanks for reading.