So who are your favorite people in your life? The ones who you feel safe with, love to be with, and are excited about and interested in their lives? The ones who you would do anything for, and with all your heart want them to be blessed and happy? Well, I have a few, but my very favorites are the ones I live with—my family! Sometimes the hardest to show love and care to, and the easiest to get irritated and upset with, and be “myself” around—not always the best side to be sure!

My husband is my very favorite person in the whole world…. One of the reasons I married him! =) I love to just be with him and share life together, and do all I can to show him he is my #1 favorite. Now we don’t always treat each other that way, but we know in our hearts and have the security of our love and commitment to each other to come back to when things aren’t always “wonderful.” We know we have each other’s backs and that we try to always treat each other with respect and honor both in private and in public. Apologies, humble pie, and forgiveness can go a long way, as well as just enjoying each other and having fun together—working, running errands, or whatever we are doing.

Then there are my kids…. Now two young adults still living at home with us. Currently working on servanthood between all of us has been an ongoing challenge…. To see something that needs doing and to just do it, regardless of whose responsibility it is (to a degree), and show love and honor to each other within our home. I want my kids to know they are also my favorites, and that they will always be loved and cared for no matter what! I want them to know we are interested in their lives and take delight in them, and that we only want God’s best for them no matter how that may come across to them in different circumstances as we transition to adult responsibilities and independence.

And of course there is my mom who I love dearly, and appreciate so much, and am so very thankful for. And there are many others as well!

But my challenge recently has been, do my favorite people know they are my favorites? Do they really feel loved and honored, and  know I have interest in their lives. Do they feel secure in sharing their hearts, and in knowing what they share is safe with me, and that I won’t disrespect them in front of others. As parents we do sometimes relate and share with others going through similar stages as a support and encouragement to each other, but how do we represent our (favorite) kids—whether they are grown or still young at home—in a favorable way or in a way that embarrasses them or makes them feel like they will never meet up to our expectations? Do I make the effort to learn my “favorite” people’s love languages and work to express love to them in those most meaningful ways to them. Or do I just keep track of what they do and don’t do to show love and respect to me? Ugh… I hope not!

Everyone needs to know they have someone who thinks of them as one of their favorite people—someone they feel safe and loved with no matter what choices and failures we make in life. God designed us this way—for family and Christian community—to have fellowship and accountability with each other as we seek God’s direction and His best for our lives. Let’s go and show others that they are our favorites…. Everyone needs it, so it’s not just reserved for your family members…. Reach out to those around us who need to feel like someone truly cares for them as well! Have a great week!

Romans 12:10 (KJV)  “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”