“Home is where you first hear
your name spoken in love.”
Think back to when your baby entered your home. Think about the words you cooed to that
precious child. Think about the
tenderness with which you spoke those words, including your baby’s name. Love wrapped its arms around that name and
carried it into your babe’s heart. Home
is where you first hear your name spoken in love. What a perfect portrait of the home.
And your baby’s name is not the only name spoken in
love. “Mommy” “Daddy”
“Bubba” “Sissy” All the names of the home wear the same cloak
of affection.
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| Tammy & Raylee... thanks for the inspiration, ladies! |
A dear friend of mine began a wonderful bedtime experience
with her sons long ago and continues often now when her grand-niece
visits. When the busyness of the day is
done and a night’s sleep is at hand, my friend cuddles up with her child and,
together, they say “who all we love” - listing everyone by name and repeating
several names.
What a wonderful bedtime tradition… for the home to not only
be the place where your name is spoken in love, but also the place where you
express and emphasize the love you have for others.
I’m sharing this bedtime tradition in this blog because I
think this is a perfect experience for fathers to participate in. Yes, moms are the one who typically represent
the beauty of love in the home. All the
more reason dads should find meaningful times and ways to help their children
recognize that their dad is a loving person, too. I certainly want my children to see me as a
compassionate person with love for the people in my world. Don’t you?
If you’re fortunate to still have children who crave a few
moments with you before they sail off to Dreamland, consider cuddling up with
them and getting lost in saying “who all we love.” I have a feeling it will make their dreams
all the sweeter.
Clark H Smith
