Biography Books Press Room Amy Wallace Books Life Resources Blog Events

Sunday, October 22, 2006

"You don't love me!"

That's what my youngest daughter yelled at me the other day when I wouldn't let her go outside because she was sick and needed to rest. Boy, did her words sting. I've never heard that phrase come out of any of my children's mouths and it stunned me silent.

A pretty incredible feat.

I stammered something about that being a lie and that I truly do love her and was only trying to take care of her. Then I wiped her nose and shortly thereafter put her to bed at naptime.

But those words kept ricocheting around my brain.

“You don’t love me!”

How many times have I yelled the same thing at God? Truth be told, far more times than I’d like to admit. My daughter’s words made that reality impossible to ignore. So here I am again, working out my salvation by typing on the computer.

I think the most startling thing I’ve realized is that unlike me, God isn’t stunned silent or pierced to the heart by angry words. He doesn’t get angry back or scold me for not remembering the infinite times He’s lavished His love on me.

He just keeps on loving me.

And I keep on realizing how much growing up I have yet to do.

But that’s a good place to be because I’m finding the more I recognize God’s amazing grace toward me, the more willing I am extend that grace to those around me. As well as the more and more sensitive I’m growing to the fact that praising God is far more appropriate than railing at Him.

Not quite there yet with praise as my first response, but I’m stepping in that direction. I read an email from a dear friend who has just fought with cancer and is thanking God for his mercy in early detection rather than spewing about having a kidney removed.

That humbled me.

Now, I love this friend dearly and she is truly an amazing woman. Even so, I would guess she’s struggled with things. But what we hear from her is praise.

Not two-year-old wailings about, “You don’t love me!”

Or thirty-something wailings about how tough life is and how God must not love me very much.

Praise God for Philippians 1:6: “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Amen.

My littlest princess came back to me later and said, “I love you, Mommy!” I asked her if she knew that I loved her too. Her response? “You love me sooooo much!”

Yep, I sure do. I’m glad she says that far more than she says otherwise. I’m praying to get to that place with God, too. He’s already promised to complete the good work He’s begun.

Guess that’s proof positive You sure DO love us, huh, Daddy?

:-)

6 comments:

Laurie said...

I'll never forget my oldest saying "I hate you" when he was about four. Ouch. Funny how many lessons I've learned from my boys... mothering them is an incredible gift that has helped me learn more about God's grace than any other thing.

As one who never remembers ever feeling loved in childhood, much less ever forgiven, I've had many a time when I wondered if God loved me or really forgave me. I'm so glad He is stronger than I am -- and so much more patient too.

Thanks for this one... it encouraged me.

Laurie

Vicki said...

Really good post, Amy. I started thinking back on all the times God used my kids to teach me about His grace. It blew me away!

Hey, friend--I owe you one long email:-) Pray your week is filled with joy-filled moments along the way.

love,
V.

Amy Wallace said...

Laurie,

Thanks so much for your comments. Having watched and listened to you love your boys well, it's easy to see God's grace in you. I'm so thankful you've passed on a lot of life and parenting lessons as our momsloop "Oh Wise One!"

Amy

Amy Wallace said...

Hey, Vicki!

I love your picture! It so shows the gentle and loving spirit I read in your posts and emails. I'm looking forward to that long email when you get a chance to write.

Love and prayers,
Amy

Heather said...

Amy,

I cried when I read your post. It was so encouraging to me, as yesterday was a "low" day.

I was telling Sally the other day that I think it's important to remember that feelings (and expressing them) is okay...as long as we're here to keep reminding one another that while our feelings are legitimate, they don't always reflect the TRUTH.

I'm grateful for friends like you (and Laurie, and Sally...) that choose to always point me to the truth.

Jesus loves us, this I know...

Love,
Heather

Amy Wallace said...

Heather,

I'm so glad you read this post. I wanted to do something to let you know what an inspiration you are to me. But nothing I typed in a momsloop email came close. So it came out here.

You are an awesome lady and you're so right about feelings being legit, but not always reflective of truth. So we'll keep reminding each other of truth, deal?

Jesus does love us...how totally mind blowing!

Love,
Amy

 
Designed by: MasterDesignsArt by: JaggedSmile