Yesterday, my husband Kenya cooked up a scrumptious meal for the fam, which was kinda nice, especially because he's a great cook. Well, after we all finished eating, we just hung out in the kitchen for a while. For some reason, the children are always extra garrulous after dinner. They come up with the oddest, funniest, and most unexpected things to say during these times.
So, as is our custom, Kenya and I were just chatting with them... nothing serious; just light, playful banter back and forth. Then, little Kaleb walked over to me and stood directly in front of me with his hands hanging at his sides and an inquisitive look on his face. With his blue and white striped T-shirt wearing most of his dinner, he leaned in to ask me a question.
"Mommy."
"Yes Kaleb?"
"Mommy."
"Yes?" I leaned in a little closer.
"Mommy..." Isn't it funny how kids repeat everything a hundred times as if their tiny brains get clogged? Hilarious.
For a moment, it didn't look like this conversation was going anywhere until Kaleb finally released what he wanted to say.
"Do you yike me Mommy?" he asked with a perfectly straight face and puppy dog eyes. My heart melted. So cute!
"Do I like you?" I asked, scooping him up in my arms and kissing him all over his food-covered face. "Mommy loves that boy!" As soon as I reassured him that I liked him, that look of uncertainty was replaced with the broadest smile imaginable, showing off all those pearly white baby teeth. After I let Kaleb down, he sauntered back over to where his sisters and brother were congregating and began playing with them.
He felt satisfied with my answer I suppose.
My husband and I looked at each other, exchanging a half shocked, half amused "where did he get that from" glance. I'm not sure why Kaleb asked, but it made me think about how much a part of human nature it is to crave approval. We all want to be, not just loved, but liked, appreciated, and noticed.
No matter how young or old we are, acceptance, affirmation, and approval is important to us on some level. But here's the thing we have to remember. We don't have to seek after that, or attempt to fit into some mold in order to receive it... at least not when we encounter true and genuine love. In natural relationships, we have to remember this lesson, because those who truly love you accept you as you are.
In our spiritual relationship with the Father, we have to remember that His love and acceptance isn't something that we earn or even deserve. God simply loves us just the way we are. One of my favorite Scriptures in the Bible says, "But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
God hasn't changed. His love for us remains the same today. It's not our works or worthiness that causes God to love us (Thank God!), but instead, it is His compassion, grace, and mercy toward us.
That's why I encourage you right now. Never look to others for approval, rather look to Jesus, the one who loved us all enough to lay down His life to save us from destruction and judgment.
Isn't it wonderful to know that, no matter who you are, where you're from, what you've done, or any past failures you may have... God still scoops you up in His arms and reminds you of just how special you are to Him? What a blessing.
Because of Christ's great sacrifice, once we accept Him, we don't have to look for man's adoration or approval, because we immediately become God approved. I don't know about you but, I''m an adopted child engrafted into God's royal family, who feels 100% approved, affirmed, and assured that I am loved and accepted, all because God "likes" me.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
