“I love you!”

The simple, handwritten message was left on the dry erase board in my office. It was in the handwriting of one of my children. What a nice surprise that warmed my heart on a cool, crisp fall morning.

My children frequently leave messages like this for me. Sometimes they are on my dry erase board and sometimes on a post-it note on my desk. They have even been known to jot down their messages of love on the open page of my notebook. I love these messages. They always put a smile on my face and improve my outlook on the day.

However, I must confess that from time to time I miss one. A note has been left, but I don’t see it. Usually this is because I am so busy, feeling behind before the week even begins, that I miss the obvious message right in front of me that would help me settle into the tasks at hand and conquer them with a renewed attitude.

Later in the week, I finally notice the reminder. I realize that I have been focused on the urgent, but have neglected the important.

I wonder how often I do this with God.  I know that God loves me, and if I stop to pay attention, I can see all the little “love notes” that he leaves to remind me.

• A radiant sunset.
• The quiet freshness and promise of a new day.
• The velvety texture and exotic fragrance of a newly bloomed rose.
• My children’s laughter.
• My wife’s beautiful smile.
• The reassuring hug of a friend.
• The promises of God’s Word.

The notes are boundless and yet I must admit that I get so busy that I miss more of them than I catch.  I neglect the important while I am consumed by the urgent. In so doing, I miss out on the moments and opportunities where God is offering me refreshment and restoration. Does this happen to you?

May we become more aware of all the ways that God demonstrates his love for us every day. May he restore our lives. And may we never forget the most extravagant love note of all, Jesus.