My cat sits comfortably on my lap; his purr content. I don’t need to do much. Just be there; as he nestles down in the covers. He is happy to be near me.
Sometimes I go down my long driveway to retrieve the mail without my dog; space is nice and my golden doesn’t see to mind, too much. When I return, five minutes later, he welcomes me gladly. His wispy tail waggling and tush shaking (excuse the urban word); he’s happy because one of the pack is back.
My grown boys don’t need much love from me anymore; kinda sad. Two are married and are creating their own love nests. One is at home. I guess he still needs a little TLC once in a while; usually in his timing. Just an ear to listen while drinking a warm cup of coffee; I guess he still needs me.
Now, hubby is another story. I could be wearing a neon sign flashing: I Love You, I Love You and he still seems to need to know it more. He needs love pats given like a daily vitamin. And he is generous in handing them out.
Last weekend, Nana (me) and Goldie Grand, had a girl’s sleepover. We played table games, dolls, and colored while listing to Patch the Pirate stories. In the mist of the festivities she asked, “Do you love me?”
“Of course, I do Sweetie.”
That is when the long list started. “Do you love me more than Papa, more than my dad, more than my uncles, more than my cousin, more than anyone else?” She stared steady waiting for my reply.
I had to be honest, though there is a special place for Goldie Grand in my heart, I told her I loved everyone the same. I saw her bubble deflate.
A few months ago, a little girl in my Junior Church class asked, “Do you love me?” You guessed it; she’s the same age as Goldie Grand. Her life’s been a bit more complicated. She’s a foster child waiting for adoption. Soon we pray. Her first few years of life were very difficult; two girls with different pasts asking the same question.
I love (no pun intended) the movie Fiddler on the Roof. One scene has always been my favorite. Tevye, the main male character, asks his wife, Goldie, if she loves him. This poor milkman struggles with the life long question of being loved. Her reply, “After twenty-five years of living and struggling together… I do.” Of course, she sings it. The scene ends with them sitting side-by-side. No embrace or facial glances. Simply sitting next to each other.
The age-old question of love comes alive in Scriptures as Jesus asks Peter, “… do you love Me more than these?”
Without hesitation he replies, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love you.”
Then Jesus tells Peter, “Feed My lambs.”
A second time Jesus asks, “Simon; son of Jonah, do you love me?”
Jesus seems to go just a little deeper by adding, son of Jonah, in His question.
Again Peter replies, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
Now, Jesus asks Peter to tend His sheep.
A third time Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him.
Finally, Peter answers, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
What was Jesus looking for? He wanted a complete commitment from Peter; not just an individual emotional feeling from him.
Perhaps, Peter struggled with commitment after he denied knowing Jesus. The relationship had been bruise. We all know about those types of relationships. It is then we are more careful to guard our hearts.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Trinkets of love will litter the day. Cards, candies, and flowers will attempt to express the feelings of love. What if Jesus asked you, “Do you love me?”
Perhaps, it’s time to go and feed the little lambs.
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