Mike’s Musings …
“I Just Called to Say We Love You”
Making a bit of a play on Stevie Wonder’s song, it made a good title for this musing. There are times when delicacy is extremely important. Respecting the privacy of even our dearest friends is not only kind but also often critical to their wellness. Being labeled as an “ambulance chaser” is only exceeded by being a “funeral chaser” when being overly anxious about someone’s health.
That said, expressing concern for those we love is as important to their well-being as the medications or needs of compassion they require during their emotional trials. Cards are nice, flowers are often more cheerful, and sometimes, just hearing a voice saying, “I just called to say we love you and care,” does more than we can imagine! They know you mean it, and that you are very near them when a greater, more desperate need arises. With no more than those few words, you’ve spoken volumes! You need to say no more!
While the inspired Paul recorded the actions of charity (1 Corinthians 13), it is Christ Jesus who demonstrated the greatest action of charity (John 15:13). The apostle John instructed us to live these actions of love as children of God (1 John 3: 16 – 18). When we declare to others, “I did this or that,” we lose the blessing of doing such acts of love (Matthew 6: 1 – 4). The simple warmth within our hearts of knowing we expressed our loving concern is reward enough in this life, knowing our Father is keenly aware of what we do (Hebrews 6:10).
Gentle messages of love are often the most lasting. Flowers are still pressed between the pages of Bibles, and crayon-colored scribbles are the treasures of aged parents remembering their children’s infancy. Anonymous notes stimulate minds to increased diligence because someone said, “You did a good job, and I love your enthusiasm!” Muse on the power included with those three simple words, “I love you,” and the immeasurable good they do when honestly and genuinely expressed by either words or deeds. The power of this statement was proven by God’s gift to us, and Jesus’ obedience to the Giver of that gift (John 3:16). When did we last call someone to say we love them?