Love: from a 4 year old perspective

 

A friend posted something on Facebook that stopped me dead in my “scrolling” tracks. Several children were asked the following question: “What does love mean?” The majority of their answers made me chuckle, but one answer spoke to my spirit:

 

“When someone loves you, the way they same your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.”

~Billy, age 4

 

Whoa. Billy is one deep thinking little guy…

 

 

I remember how the Dean of Students said my name as I received my diploma. My high school English teacher called my name when taking class attendance. A nurse says my name when it is time for me to see the doctor. I hear an energetic telemarketer say my name before they launch into their scripted spiel.

Many people call my name without knowing anything about me. There is no love behind their words. I am just another name on their list.

Then there are those who say my name and know me.

I will never forget the way my mother said my name. Foxy Roxie has been in Heaven for over a year now. How I miss her. I saved a voice message of hers on my phone, so I can hear her say my name again.

There is just something different about her voice…

My heart shivers whenever my husband says my name. (I know, ah…) And there is nothing sweeter than hearing the name “mama” from the mouths of my Jack and Katie.

There is just something different about their voices…

My reaction to hearing my name spoken by those close to me is different because there is love behind their words. My name is “safe in their mouth” because their love for me is proven.

 

“The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice… I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me– just as the Father knows me and I know the Father– and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

~ Jesus in John 10:2-4, 14-15 (NIV1984)

 

Likewise, Jesus was willingly crucified for you and me. His love is proven. We have nothing to fear because our name is “safe in His mouth.” His Spirit calls your name daily and directs you in the way you should go. The longer you walk, wait, trust, and listen to Him, the more you will hear Him say your name. The more you hear, the more you will follow.

Listen for The Good Shepherd.

There is just something different about His voice…

 

“When Jesus speaks your name, Love is behind His words. You are not simply a name on His list~ your name held Him to His cross.

THIS is what Love means.”

~Tracy, age 38 and counting

*This is a post from my archives.