Ma’am, There’s Been a Misunderstanding

For years, as long as she could say I love you, little bit and I have this banter:

Me: I love you.

Her: I love you more.

Me: That’s NOT possible!

Her: Oh yes it is.

And on and on we’d go.  The baby would sometimes join in on the “not possible” exchange, and she and Bray pick it up sometimes, but with her and me it’s constant.

This year has been a changing one with her. She was our “easiest” kid. Most likely to obey, easy disposition, favorite things include swinging alone or playing with her dolls in her room because she’s a total introvert like me.

But we have seen more attitude. Sass and back-talking and boundary drawing. We want to encourage her strength but not her disrespect. We have struggled to find the right line to draw in third grade.

But the past few weeks have been incredibly sweet. She is finding who she is and a part of who she is has always been incredibly loving.

So when we were in the middle of this I love you more exchange this weekend at the ranch, she changed it a little.

Me: I love you.

Her: I love you more.

Me: That’s not possible.

Her: Ma’am, there’s been a misunderstanding.

Followed by a grin and a laugh and running off.

Ma’am, there’s been a misunderstanding. You could not possibly love me more is the message.

My kids teach me about Jesus all the time. They remind me that the depth of my love for them, which overwhelms me sometimes, doesn’t hold a candle to His love for me and for them. The love of a Father and Creator.

I had a panic attack last night in a hotel room while away from home for work. My chest was pounding and it was nearly midnight but I could not sleep. I opened my Bible Gateway app and started to read. I ran across this scripture I memorized as a song as a child:

Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called children of God. I John 3:1 (Some translations say “lavished!”).

He has lavished his love in such a way that it can almost be impossible to understand. Yet, that love is a fact.

I was laying in bed with little bit last week, having a “visit” before bedtime prayers. Normally we discuss her day, but she was asking me about mine and encouraging me to just fall asleep in her bed with her. (That tiny twin bed is oh so comfortable at 8:30 at night.). I outlined all I had to do and the deadlines pressing in on me which would prevent me from staying with her.

Mom, she announced, you need to be living the Lillie-life!, and she threw her arms wide open as if to invite me into her more relaxing world. I laughed and hugged her and said yes I should slow down.

There’s a love we have misunderstood and a life we have missed in our hurry to be and do and have:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11 (The Msg)

Recover your life.

Unforced rhythms of grace.

I’m grateful for my daughter pointing me to our Savior and reminding me of what love and rest look like.

It’s Lent. I’m working to slow down and love better and rest better instead of giving up something fleeting. Finding rest in fog laced mornings and ranch patios and late night snuggles.

I’m thankful I get to live in a place where we have a love-off to see who loves the other one the most. But I will let you in on a secret, “I love them more!”