Tell Me Again That You Love Me

Perhaps it began because the house was so full. There were fourteen of us at one time all living together as a family. Fourteen stories being told, sometimes being shouted, trying to be heard. Sometimes I would feel lost in all the confusion but that was when it began. I would wake up early and find a quiet place to be with God and then I'd make my request. “Tell me again that You love me.” I opened His book I'd read His word then I opened my heart and received the gift of grace. Peace always followed.

There have been seasons of great pressure. Deadlines I didn't think I could meet. More was asked of me than I thought I was able to give. Life seemed rushing towards me at a frenzied pace. I didn't feel I had time to breathe. But early in the morning I would wake and slip away and find a quiet place and then I'd make my request. “Tell me again that You love me.” I opened His book I'd read His word then I opened my heart and received the gift of grace. Peace like a calming breeze followed.

I walked in the woods and found the place. I closed my eyes and remembered. Twenty five years ago I had stood there weeping before a mound of freshly dug earth. My heart was touched again with the exquisite pain of seeing my baby's coffin covered by dirt. I stood there now as I had then and made my request. “Tell me again that You love me.” I remembered His word then I opened my heart and received the gift of grace. Peace like a gentle presence followed.

I sit with her. Her eyes are dim her hearing dull. Few are left who share the memories of her childhood. Her memory of the past is clearer than that of the present. Her feeble frame sits lightly in the chair. With a voices etched with time she makes her request. “Tell me again about His love for me.” I open His book, I read His word. Her face softens as she once more opens her heart and receives again the gift of grace. Her eyes are closed but I can see that peace, as always, has followed.

Lord Jesus, I come today as I do every day. I open Your Word and make my request. “Tell me again that You love me.” In the quiet comfort of Your presence I open again my heart to You to receive this gift of grace. I feel again Your peace that passes all understanding. It has once again followed.