"I Love You"

Those three words mean a lot!  Even though we know our Heavenly Father loves us and Y'hshuwah loved us enough to die for us, it's nice to hear the words audibly . . . Written throughout Scripture is definitely reaffirming, but still, we're human and we like to hear another human voice say it and preferably with meaning!  This past week has truly made me appreciate the value of those three words.

For the past several months, I've made a point of saying, "I love you" to people I minister to and with, as well as many I simply speak with.  I truly do love people, well some I have to try to love, but for the most part I do love people.  I'm just a bit awkward, introverted, and stoic, which probably comes across as socially inept, but . . . nobody sees me sweat.  This past week, however; has been a real eye opener in the value of love and hearing the words.  Love isn't just a word, it also involves action, and now this princess has to put her words into action!

My dear, Sweet Aunt Nina has died.  Not only am I really not ready for this, but years ago she asked me to officiate her funeral.  We were all in good health, at the time, so of course, no problem, but now . . . the funeral is imminent.  I am really trying to work through all my thoughts and words, as I choose just the right things to say in her memory.   She was an encourager, extraordinaire, and at every parting, she always said, "I love you."  So, rather than see her in the casket, as I prepare for her funeral, I'm seeing her in the background, telling me "You can do this!  I love you."  No, I'm not committing any necromancy and I have prayed for strength and asked others to pray for me, but it's truly who she was and I want to keep that image of her, especially as I prepare for a tribute to her.

At this time, I continue to push the thought out of my mind, that I won't hear that upbeat, slightly sassy voice again, in this life.  Her laugh was uniquely recognizable and her style was her own.  She was a confident woman, a strong willed woman, and stoic to the nth degree, yet somehow demonstrated a gentle encouragement with those around her.  She shared rather than drive or push.  I never in my life, heard her say to anyone, "You can't do that!"  That's not about morality, but about accomplishment!  She encouraged everyone.  

She "surrounded" her statement of "I love you" with encouragement, laughter, and sometimes a little too much stoicism to hide her own pain.  At times, something I've said or a certain mannerism has been compared to her, and I cherish those compliments more than I can say, so . . . to put action to my words of telling her "I love you," it's time for me to officiate the funeral she asked for.  She said no tears . . . I'll do my best to encourage all of us to remember her words of encouragement, and prayerfully put on a bit too much stoicism to hide my own sadness to fulfill her request.  I'm so thankful to have had two conversations with her last week, and both of them ended with those words to each other.

Nobody said "I love you" like Sweet Aunt Nina.