Love Languages

While sewing with my daughter today, she began to make up a song. "I love Daddy. I love Mommy. I love Brother. I love Papa. I love Nana. I love my family because they spend time with me."

My daughter requires constant attention. She talks non stop about anything and everything (a challenge for this mommy who has a hard time concentrating on more than one thing). She craves interaction. She craves love. She craves time. This her love language. Time. This is how she knows I love her. Time.

Having a child whose primary love language is time can be draining. It requires a lot more of you.

My son is quite opposite. He enjoys playing alone. As long as someone is on the same floor in the house as him (he hates being alone), he requires little attention. Instead, he gets his love from hugs and snuggles and kisses and wrestle matches with Dad and Sister. A much easier love tank to fill.

As she was singing, I was feeling guilty and remembering how important it is that I keep her love tank full, no matter how challenging. Too often, I brush her off. I get frustrated. I tell her to be quiet. I tell her, "We'll talk later. We'll do this together later." But often, later never comes. I get swept up in the busy-ness of life.

It its moments like these, listening to her made up song, spelling out what she needs from me, that I remember. There is very little in this life that is more important than me loving her with my time. There is very little that cannot be put on hold so that I can listen to the ramblings, look at the latest piece of art, or play another round of uno.

Lord, thank you for Daughter. Thank you for the wonder that she is. Thank you for her uniqueness. Help me to love her right. Help me to be patient and not get frustrated. Help me to give her all she needs. Help me to be the mom she requires. May she feel and know Your love through me. Amen

P.S. The Five Love Languages for Children by Gary Chapman is a must read for any parent! :-)