The kids and I have been reading through Proverbs at lunch a few times each week. We’ll take a chunk of several verses and just read them. I like to make sure they understand, so I’ll stop periodically and explain in “kid language” what we just read. I am loving it, because I’m learning right along with them.

Anyway, today we had some great conversation about chapter 3, verses 11 and 12. The Lord reproves those whom He loves. And the next portion–just like a Father reproves the child in whom he delights. I wanted to make it clear to them that the entire motivation for our correction of their actions is LOVE!

That conversation led me to ask them, “What are some ways that Mommy and Daddy show love to you?” One of them actually said correction (because we had just talked about it), and the other answers were pretty much what you would expect. “You make our food.” “You teach us how to do stuff.” And on they went giving examples.

Then I decided to share with them how I know they love me. They show love by coloring pictures for me. They help around the house. Their hugs and snuggles show love. They give even their most prized possessions to see me happy.

As I was giving some examples, I thought of this particular Monday night. Jason likes to take the girls on dates every couple of months, and usually they go out to eat. They’ll go shopping for a new shirt, or Tinkerbell pencils, or a princess water bottle, etc. (all things they have brought home before). This time, however, Daddy knew that Mommy needed to get groceries. He told me to make the list and he and Miranda would shop for me on their date. They did a great job, and got everything on the list, and saved me the hassle of trying to go the next day with all 4 kids. (And all 15+ coupons went through successfully.) So thank you, Jason and Miranda, for loving me this week!