Loved Beyond Measure

I was in Hobby Lobby one day pushing my cart down a main aisle and glancing from side to side as I navigated to the area of the store to get the items on my list.  As I quickly walked something in my peripheral vision caught my attention – a sign with three words.  Oh I have seen many signs with Scripture verses and other inspirational words and phrases but never one with this brief, powerful message.  When it registered in my mind what I had seen, I turned around to find the aisle where that special sign was.  The last thing I needed was more wall art – wasn’t I trying to downsize.  I reached up to the upper shelf where the sign was and held it in my hands and read the words over and over again as my eyes grew misty. The frame wasn’t really the right color and after all there were only three words on the sign.  Surely I could buy a canvas or a piece of wood and paint those words in just the right colors and font to fit in with my decor.  But the sign was not only on sale, it was on clearance and I could take those three words home with me now.  That settled it, into the cart the sign went.  I spray painted the frame gold and it hangs on the wall in the dining room at the Chateau.  What are those three words and what makes them so special to me…..

”loved beyond measure”

That was how Mom told me she loved me…she loved me beyond measure.  On the phone, in the countless notes and cards Mom wrote to me, she routinely told me she loved me beyond measure.  The envelopes almost always contained a Scripture passage and she sometimes even painted flowers or scenes from the Chateau on the envelope.  Yes, those cards and all of the painted envelopes are organized and filed where I can take them out and enjoy them again and again.  Sometimes I even try to duplicate some of her artwork for special occasions for certain family members.  My version doesn’t compare to the original but the effort brings sweet memories to mind for both myself and the family members who receive the card. 

While Mom had a special way to say she loved me, her true love language was acts of service.  Mom received great joy from doing for others whether it was doing chores or yard work at my house or teaching the pre-school Sunday School class at church or volunteering at the hospital. 

I grew up with an extended family who freely and openly shared words of affection.  Regardless of where we are, my brother and I still conclude most every conversation by telling each other we love them.  Even my fur babies know that their Mom loves them with a big love.  Letting the people I care about know that they are special to me is easy for me and that is a blessing I am thankful to my family for teaching and demonstrating to me. 

What about you?  Will you make a point to show or tell your loved ones how much they mean to you today? 

Blessings,

Vicki

© Chateau Life Coach