an i love you example

Often I think of the things I should do better in my family. I want to give more hugs - I've never been a super touchy-feely person, but I know it matters. I want to be more encouraging than critical - I often have an eye for how to improve over how to celebrate. I want to laugh more - I know joy is contagious. 

But it's hard for me to change, to admit when I need to do better. Or, at least, it was until I saw this beautiful example unfold. 

This week, while Lucy was at youth group, Zinni and Johnnie and I were cleaning up a bin of blocks before bedtime. Nothing particular had happened that evening, just a normal night. 

As we tossed blocks into the bin, Zinni said, "Shel, I feel like I haven't said I love you a lot recently. Shel, I love you." 

Wow. 

Of course I could only respond with wrapping her up in a big hug. 

I was, and am, touched by her words and sentiment, and most of all her example. It's never too late to do what you know is good, right, and kind.