In all the “ease” of summer, for some, life is still on the fast track and may even be revved up a notch! Comings, goings, VBS, appointments, volunteering, activities, meetings, rehearsals, trips, camps…you get the idea! With these ins and outs, we repeat saying our goodbyes in haste… “See ya, love ya”! We removed the personal pronoun “I” in our haste.
This summer (and then always), let’s make efforts to keep ourselves in the moment! Relish the privileges, opportunities, and blessings from GOD, FAMILY, FRIENDS, and OTHERS! So, when we say bye-bye (see you later, alligator; in the street, lil parakeet), we will look full in the eyes and face of the one we are with!
Treasuring them, ‘I’ makes it personal as you emphasize in “I love you”! Rather than texting from your bed, walk a few steps and engage in meaningful, unhurried, intentional, caring conversations! Our GOD is a present GOD! As it were, GOD cups our faces in His loving, powerful Hands-looking directly in our eyes and says…
God is really good at this. He never rushes when He’s with us. The Bible says God is always near. It’s like He cups our faces gently in His hands, looks into our eyes, and says:
“I Am with you.”
“I Am Who I Am.”
“I Am your help when you’re in trouble.”
“I Am the way.”
(Genesis 15:7, Genesis 17:1, Exodus 3:14, Psalm 46:1, John 14:6)
Try This!
The next time you say goodbye to someone you love, stop for just a second. Look them in the eyes. Smile. Then say, “I love you” with your whole heart. It’s a small moment that shows big love—just like God shows us every day!
©2025 Penelope White Use with author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com
Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!