Message from Melodie 26 Aug 2010

26 Aug 2010

Hello Family!
I would like to tell you this week about a tradition I started with my little ones many years ago. About once a month, I take their little hands in mine and for each finger I tell them one reason I love them. (Of course I have to kiss each finger after.) I like to say different things each time, and I include things that will never change as well as things that are relevant to that specific day. Then their last finger is always "I love you because you are a son/daughter of God." Some of the sweetest memories I have are of my children telling me for each finger why they love me. When David and I married I felt like our relationship would also benefit from this fun tradition. I don't count on fingers, but I look him in the eye and just tell him some of the things that I love about him. As I list the things that I love about a person, I start to realize how many reasons there truly are. It makes me think of the hymn Count your many blessings, for in this tradition I start to see how very blessed I am. With this thought in mind, I would like to challenge each of you to tell one other person the reasons you love them. Here are some of my reasons:
Dad: I love the way you work so hard to help your children. You are always working on our cars, houses, and other small things; however, and more importantly, you always take time to counsel and uplift us. Thank you for starting this email list. It is just one example of your loving wisdom.
Mom: I love that you are always thinking of others and how you can help them. As we grow, mothers only become more dear. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend Education Week.
Moroni and Stacy: I love how you work together. Your personalities seem so different, but you are able to combine them into a united front. It is very admirable.
Deborah and Kevin: I love how you have opened your home to me as well as others. When I was there you were such gracious hosts and David seems to feel that way from his much longer stay. It isn't easy being a host. Thank You!
Lela: I loved watching you at conference as well as other similar places. You take such dutiful notes and listen so closely. It seems that you are always seeking to know what the Lord is trying to tell you. It is inspiring.
Sandra: I love the way you brighten a room just by being in it. You have a way of making the people around you smile. You are like a breath of fresh air.
Shannon: I love the way you reach out to the people around you in an offer of friendship. Crista will never forget that you gave her a manicure for the wedding. She really needed that offer of friendship and it made her very happy.
May the Lord fill you all with his love and his spirit that we may all be like him.
Melodie