Continued learning to love and be loved

Love and be loved

I like seeing this quote saved with an image of a father and infant. It leaves an impression of responsibility that so many of us can relate to. We want badly to teach our children what they need to know in order to be, do, and for the most part just live successfully. Many are going to church, teaching life lessons and leading by example. But when I was recently asked what was the most important thing I taught my girls, it caught me off guard. How could I pick one thing? I could have easily said John 3:16 but I felt like it was a trait or skill they were asking about.

Why didn’t I say to LOVE…. better yet….and to be loved?

Well, true to the human brain, all our best answers come AFTER we need them 🙂 or in the shower! But, honestly, this stuck with me enough that want to share this with all the new moms and dads- or grandma’s and grandpa’s that this may reach. After all, learning how to love……. is God 101. We know this is what God asks of us (to Love), but how literally do we take this command?

“Love and be loved”….

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  Matthew 22:37-39

Parents, if this is your MISSION, think how this one governing force would instill such greatness in your child, God’s very child. As they learn to interact with others you keep directing their actions to be loving. As they are hurt by others you teach them loving grace, as they mess up you instruct them to lovingly repent and heartfully say sorry. It seems so simple and as if I share nothing new- but it’s the conviction and ownership of this mission that I blog over today.

I cannot go back. But why not start now? Any mom, any dad…. this is what OUR FATHER is STILL teaching us …. loving grace and encouragement of loving action.

Continued learning to love and be loved!

Faith Infused Living… Reaching Goals Higher,

Niccie Kliegl CLC, RN