How To Craft the Most Meaningful Love Letter

Children are often the best teachers.

I thought a knew a lot until I became a parent. Now nearly 24 years later, I realize how little I really knew and how much my children have taught me, like how to love like Jesus.

My husband and I have four children. Our daughter, 19 years old, has significant special needs of an unknown etiology (in other words, we don’t know the reason for her disability).

She is moderately to severely globally delayed. Rachel has 2 older brothers (Daniel 23 and Zachary 21) and 1 younger (Joseph 16).

The love my sons offer their sister goes beyond words, Valentine’s Day cards, and flowers (although these are all good things). The boys’ love toward Rach is founded in actions, mirroring the love God showers on us.

When young, our family looked as “normal” as any other. Sibling rivalry, fights disagreements over toys, arguments about whose turn it was to have a certain book punctuated hours of play, snuggle time, and naps. Rachel fit in as any sister would. 

But as my children grew, and the gap between Rachel and her peers became more pronounced, a special relationship began to form between the boys and Rach. Their love toward her become more actionable, and that continues today.

A Love Letter of Action

With little thought to the way they are blessing their parents, my sons protect, play with, and provide for Rachel in the sweetest way imaginable.

Where elbows would usually keep others from sitting too close to them on the couch, an arm draws Rachel close.

Where boys often have an aversion to playing with dolls and anything remotely “girly,” my sons indulge their sister in most requests—even allowing their fingernails to be painted (I have proof).

Where many boys avoid their sisters during their formative years, my sons beg to go on long road trips with Rach.

Where boys often want to exclude everyone from their personal space, my sons allow Rachel all manner of concessions in this area as she loves to engage with them … often … and for long periods of time.

Where boys are often self-centered in their teen years, wanting to have their own fun, my sons work to incorporate Rach in their fun and are so excited when she can participate with the family in an event.

My sons are not more special or “better” than other boys. They are typical teenagers and young adults, struggling to find their unique path in life, like everyone else. 

But what is special is the way they’ve expressed their love to their sister. They’ve written her a love letter expressing their feelings through their everyday actions.

God’s Love Letter

This is similar to the love letter the Lord has written to us. Sure He gave us His written Word, but in that Word, He directs us to the evidence of His love. 

God’s love isn’t based simply on His words; His love is founded in His actions. 

God's love isn't based simply on His words; His love is founded in His actions. Click To Tweet

Eating with the unclean.

Serving the least.

Healing the lame.

Giving sight to the blind.

Raising the dead.

Offering life to those with no hope. 

His is truly a special love letter of action. 

We often think of expressing love through carefully chosen words or by purchasing a special gift. But the everyday act of love is far more precious, don’t you think? 

We often think of expressing love through carefully chosen words or by purchasing a special gift. But the everyday act of love is far more precious. What love letter of action can you craft today? Click To Tweet

Maybe it’s time, we too, begin crafting a love letter of actions. 

Thank you, Daniel, Zachary, and Joseph, for reminding your mom of what love should look like (even if you didn’t know you were doing it). Your father and I love you guys so much and are very proud of who God is crafting you to be!