February 2014 Articles

Archives by Months

Just Rambling, February 2014

Just Rambling:
How many of you have told your spouse (husband or wife) today that you love them? If you haven’t, then why not? How many of you have told your children today that you love them? If not, then again, why not? You may say I’m just not geared that way—I don’t give out a lot of “I Love You’s”. I understand completely. As a boy growing up, I didn’t hear an “ I Love You” from my father until I was in my forties, and Daddy was brought home after being diagnosis with and operated on for colon cancer. Growing up, I was told by several in the family how much my Father loved me, and I knew that, but he never expressed his love verbally. On the other hand, my Mother would always tell me how much she loved me and always exhibited this love. As a young boy, when my father would lie down to rest and to read his Bible, I would always try to lie down beside him. I will never forget his big strong arms and his tan skin. I always felt so secure by him. As a toddler, Daddy only allowed my Mother to have one birthday party for me - his philosophy was that birthday parties were for girls. I had the one party on my first birthday—after that no more parities. This rule changed, though, when the grandsons came along, and as I tell my children, that is why they are called “Grand”. My Dad was tough, and he expected his son to be the same, but I could never be as tough as he was. He expected me to stay on the straight and narrow way, and if he thought I was straying he didn’t hesitate to redirect me. It didn’t take much of Daddy’s redirection to get my attention. I will always be thankful to him for that discipline. When Daddy’s cancer was diagnosed as incurable, Daddy came home for his last days. I would sit by his bed, and we would talk. As I would get ready to leave, when Daddy was alert, he would always tell me he loved me. It seems to me that he was trying to catch up on the “I Love You’s” that I didn’t get growing up. As Daddy grew weaker, one night I sat by his bed while he seemed to be unconscious. As we were together, I softly sang the songs, “How Great Thou Art” and “Paradise Valley” to him. He didn’t verbally respond, but I could feel him responding to me. I felt I was offering him security through the Lord, just as he had made me feel secure as a small boy. I will never forget my Father and my Mother. They had totally opposite ways of expressing their love, and that was okay, I knew I was loved. They are in the Paradise Valley today with God, his Son, Jesus Christ, and all the saints. Have you let your spouse know that you love them yet? Have you let your children/ grandchildren know how much you love them yet? 1 Cor. 13:8 says “Love never fails” and 1 Cor.13:13 says “ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest for these is love.” Keep love in your heart for your family and for the Lord and his son, Jesus Christ. Never hesitate to express this love. Van Bennett