LOVE

When my granddaughter, Addi, goes on vacation, she always brings me home a special magnet for the refrigerator.  This year I told my daughter, Jenna, not to let her bring me home a magnet.  I said she could spend the money on something for herself instead.  

Of course, when Addi found the perfect magnet, she wanted to get it for me.  Jenna told her that Mammie had said not to buy her a magnet this year.  I am told she asked over and over if she could bring me a magnet, saying “I always get Mammie a magnet every year.  Are you sure she said I can’t get her one?”  Her heart was broken. 

When she came over after vacation, she soberly almost tearfully said to me that she had found the prettiest magnet that was just right for me, but she wasn’t allowed to get it because I had said no more magnets.  She said, “Mammie, why couldn’t I bring you home a magnet, I always bring you a magnet?”  I told her the fridge was full and I didn’t need any more so I thought she could get herself something instead.  From the look on her face, I could tell that I had hurt her.

She promptly went to the refrigerator and rearranged all the magnets, saying “See, Mammie, there is always room for more.”  At that moment I realized she wasn’t just saying there was always room for more magnets she was really saying there is always room for more love because indeed giving me a magnet was her way of showing me she loved me and missed me while she was away.  I had taken that joy away from her.  Now, I was the one hurting.  I felt like I had crushed a beautiful flower. 

Never again will I tell a child they cannot freely give what’s important to them because giving is the highest form of love.  After all, God gave us His one and only Son because He loves us so much.                 John 3:16