Love You. Mean it! (05/24/2025)

My family has learned along the way that I have several quirks. They owe me a debt of gratitude for teaching them tolerance. One of my firmest quirks is uttering “Love you. Mean it!” when we hug. They often get that when they arrive; they always get that as we say, “goodbye.” As the grandchildren got older, they would often say it in unison with me. This year, my youngest grandson beat me to it as we hugged farewell. I doubt he realized that he’d made my day.

“Love you. Mean it!” may sound trite. But to me, it says so much. It tells the others they are loved sincerely. It tells the other that I’m not just being polite; I’m actually being intentional. And hopefully they also learn over time that I mean it now, I meant it then, and I will mean it always. Hopefully, they know as they leave that my love is guaranteed.

As I grow older, I must admit that I wonder what my legacy will be. If I could choose, it would be to value love lived. That is what I’d like to give to my children and grandchildren. It has way more potential than any set of engraved sterling or collection of Belleek.

The past couple of week, the gospel readings for the day have been drawn from Jesus’ final discourse with His disciples on the night of His arrest, on the day before His crucifixion and death. If one truly wishes to know what matters to others, consider what they said last, consider what words they left you with. In the Gospel of John, chapters 13- 16, the focus is clear – love. Jesus’ service in the foot washing, Jesus’ going to prepare a place for the disciples, Jesus as the vine and us as the branches, Jesus’ inviting us to share in His love for the Father with whom He is one. Time and time again, in those final words, Jesus tells us to love – to love the Father – to love one another not just a bit but as He has loved us. And as I look upon the cross, I can truly hear His words. I can also see that He loved me and He meant it to the end. And lastly, I know that wasn’t really the end…He loves me still. That’s the kind of love I want my children and grandchildren to learn and to live.

As time goes on and I realize that I am only given so much, the total amount is not guaranteed, I realize that it is neither my bank account nor my lighted display cases that will matter in the end. It not what we have but who we are. I pray that I have taken my Savior’s words and allowed them and His love for me to mold me. And I pray that my words to my family and my love for them is something they can take with them into their future.

Love You. Mean it!

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.