JUST BECAUSE

Remember.

Do you?

I want you to remember I love you.

I want you to know you are loved.

Many years ago, at a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, President Spencer W. Kimball stood before a world wide television audience and spoke from his heart. He said (among other assurances about the love God feels for each of his children) "I love you, each one of you ..." He tenderly spoke of the feelings he has for every member of the church and for all of mankind.

A sister in law openly and loudly scoffed, "He does not - he doesn't even know me. He can't love everybody. He doesn't even know them!"

I was shocked.

I was honestly surprised that she thought he had to know her to love her.  And more especially that she could not personally accept his genuine profession.

I asked her, "Susie (Susie Somebody - closely related to Annabelle Anybody and Nelly Nobody) - Susie," I asked, "Don't you think that he would if he did?"

I have pondered that many, many times since then.
It often comes to mind and takes a circuit.

Do you know you are loved?

Even complete strangers are concerned for your happiness and pray for your well being.  I often ask God to be mindful of those who are poor, sick, in need or have cause to mourn - among other things. When I see you struggling with the cart and the baby, or the door and the walker, or at a distance with tears streaming down your face (or your face contorted in some unfathomable emotion) then, as my heart aches for you and again later as memories of the things I see or hear surface, I ask for comfort and strength - for you.  I do anything I physically can and then I call upon God, our Father in Heaven to look upon you, lift your burdens and help you find your way - to grant you all that will help you and bring you lasting happiness.

I won't divulge details of the conversations I have with God about those I know by name - that is very private - but even if you don't believe a real and lovingly concerned, omniscient parent watches out for our best good and interests you need to know that I care - at least all that I, as a hopelessly imperfect human being, possibly can.

I do want you to know that I think on each of you each day, personally, individually, by name and age, by face and problem, by joys and activities - among other things.  I look at your pictures.  I remember little things I know you like, or hate, and even if I am totally out of the park wrong I still find you on my mind.  I love you.

BTW - have I told you lately that I love you?