Ever since my kids were babies, every night when I tuck them in, I repeat the same phrase.

“Mama loves you, dada loves you, and Jesus loves you.  He has a plan and purpose for your life.”

I know it seems juvenile, but I wanted them to hear that they were loved and that their lives had purpose.  As they have gotten older, I started to wonder if I should find something else to say or just say goodnight and love you.

One night a few weeks ago, after the usual bed time routine and stalling, I rushed through the tuck in process. It had been a busy day, and I still had work to do after the kids went to bed.  After tucking my daughter in and answering all of her questions and comments, I turned out the light and rushed through my usual saying.  I started to shut the door quickly, and I realized that she was saying something back to me.

“What did you say?” I asked.

She repeated herself “Jesus has a plan and purpose for your life, too, and I bet you’re doing great at it! Love you! Good night!”

I’m not crying. You’re crying.

Wow. I won’t indulge you in all of my insecurities, but I will say that I had been feeling like I was dropping the ball in every aspect of my life.  I certainly didn’t feel like I was doing great at anything.

Proverbs 16:24 tells us that “Kind words are like honey- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

Can I encourage you to encourage someone else today?  Maybe a coworker or a family member?  It’s good for your soul and theirs.  We are all struggling in some way and a kind word does wonders.

And I will close with this– Jesus has a plan and purpose for your life– And I bet you’re doing great at it.  

~Shiney