Secure in Love

The other day I said to my eldest, “I love you.” And without missing a beat, in a very matter of fact voice, he said, “I know.”

I’ll admit, the first thought that popped through my mind was that I was raising my own miniature Han Solo. And then, I’ll also admit, I was a little sad. After all, “I know” isn’t really the response I was hoping for. I was hoping for, “I love you too, mommy.” And then maybe a kiss and a snuggle. And as I thought about that, I realized that I was looking at it all wrong.

See, I hadn’t told him I loved him because I was looking for something in return. Sure, I had an expectation (and maybe I was kind of looking forward to that snuggle), but that wasn’t what prompted the comment. I told him I loved him because it’s true and because sometimes the sentiment bubbles up and I simply have to express it. And his response, when I step back and really think about it, tells me I’m doing a good job.

He knows I love him. I don’t have to tell him (though I still plan to), because it’s a part of our relationship that is so deeply internalized that he doesn’t even question it.

It occurs to me that this is exactly what our Heavenly Father wants for us — that we would be so secure in the knowledge of His love that we wouldn’t question, wouldn’t ache to hear the words, or see some kind of physical demonstration of proof. Every day, in so many little ways, we can hear Him telling us, “I love you.” And while yes, it’s good and beautiful to say, “I love You, too” it’s a wonderful thing to be able to sit back, nod, and say, “I know.”