A new friend who lives in another state was visiting me recently. During her visit I had the honor of caring for my precious little granddaughter for an afternoon. She witnessed the fun and joined in fully. We sang the song my Mom used to sing to me: “I love you a bushel and a peck (repeat) and a hug around the neck.” The little one would say, “Again.” She loved it and so did I. I was repeating a pattern of gracious love I had learned as a little girl.

After my son picked up the little one, my friend turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, “Your granddaughter heard ‘I love you’ more times in one afternoon than I did my entire childhood.” This led to the opportunity to have prayer together so she could fully feel the love of her Heavenly Father (Abba).

Say the words often. Show you mean it by serving one another. Put feet to your feelings by getting something without being asked. Put love in practice by praying over the one who will wear the clothes you are folding. Sing as you cook or put the dishes away.

Love releases creativity. This is about more than flowers or chocolate on one day a year. This is a template of love that continues to build in each family and generation. Change the pattern you were handed. Start expressing love in new and consistent patterns. They will last and endure to produce more ‘hugs around the neck.’

What creative love expressions create your pattern of love?

Lord, we come to You as little children and ask that you recreate in us more than just the idea of love. May love be more than a theory or something we show strangers but not those closest to us. Spark creative ways to show gracious love. Love sprinkled with grace no matter where the one we love finds themselves. Love that reaches to the deepest needs of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

28 Ways to Honor and Love Series