We have many ways of saying, "I love you." Sometimes it's through a gift we buy or make, an act we perform, or words we say. In and of themselves, each of these are reminders to the receiver that we really care. What kind of message does it send, though, when we only sporadically do such acts? Is our love focused when it’s a rare occasion that we give little reminders, saying, "this means I really care?"

Imagine a friend or loved one who ignores you for long periods, or says a hurried, "Hi! I'll call you later-I've got a lot to do-l know you understand," as they pass you by. Maybe when they do stop and sit with you, you can tell their mind "is somewhere else," or the conversation is very generic, or they say the very same things they always do. Do you feel like they really love you? Occasional gifts, no matter how expensive or nice, do not take the place of spending time with and attention on a person. The myth of "quality time" does not make up for the lack of quantity time. Gifts of things don't replace the gift of you.

How are you doing in your relationship with God? What kind of message is HE getting from you? Love shows. Give Him a reminder of yours.

                        Ben