Why do you say that?

This weekend, I have learned quite a bit about a little phrase that in our household is commonplace - "I love you". I said it to Bo on Friday night, and his response - "Daddy, why do you always say that?"

Made me think for a just a moment...

Saturday night, after a morning five-year-old soccer game and a day of visiting with my parents, nieces, nephews, and grandparents in Forest, there were no less than 15 "I love you's" exchanged as we all parted ways late Saturday night.

Made me think all the way back to Jackson...

This morning, we went to church and heard our pastor read and preach from Romans 8:35-39. During the sermon, the preacher made a specific point about how we all look for "acceptance" and the harm done to those who grow up never hearing that phrase that is so common at our house. He then went on to make the point that that is why Christ's love for us is so amazing - He loves us, not because we deserve it, but because His son died for our sins. And nothing will ever change or separate us from that love.

Certainly made me think even more...

This afternoon, I've been thinking about Bo's question from Friday night. Why do I tell him probably 5 or 6 times a day that I love him? I guess it's because I want him to know the phrase my great-grandparents told my grandparents. I want him to know that my grandparents told my parents. I want him to know how I was told constantly by my parents. And I want him to know, most importantly, that each of those generations said it because we've received an undeserved love from Christ.

And today I pray that nothing will ever separate him from that very same love...