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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Favoritism (02/28/05)
My brother has always wanted to be a good father to his three young girls. It is important to him that his daughters know how much he personally loves them. He has witnessed how some children in other families can feel like the odd one out, the black sheep or simply overlooked. Their family had just increased by one, a new baby sister called Emily, and he was concerned about the impact this might have had on his other two children. He pondered on these things for a number of weeks and had examined each of the children in play and listened to how they described themselves in terms of their own strengths and abilities. He had also examined his own heart and had thought about what he really liked about each of his children and what they may think about the relationship they had with their father.

One day the time had come for him to take each of his young daughters aside and speak with them about his personal love for them. He took his eldest daughter, Leah, aside and spoke with her openly about his love for her, about what he thought her strengths were, and how much he loved being her father.
She too spoke of her love for him and seemed confident in his love for her. ‘Daddy, I know that you love me and Chloe and Emily. I know you see me as a good daughter’. In the wisdom of a seven year old she added, ‘Daddy, don’t worry, you’re doing a good job at being my Daddy and I know you love me. I’m fine.’
Her father smiled at her, touched by his daughter’s wisdom and insight. Yes, she had indeed got to the heart of his questioning and had given her reply. She was fine and he thanked God that she was happy and healthy, and of course, his daughter.

A little time later he took Chloe onto his knee and proceeded to tell her about his love for her, how she was special, and that he loved being her daddy. Five year old Chloe loved spending time with him and enjoyed being told how wonderful she was. She basked in her father’s praise. He asked her if she knew he loved her.
‘Daddy, I know you love me. You love me because I am special and because I am your most favourite of all.’
‘Yes Chloe, indeed I love you very much, you are a special girl. Daddy has enough love in his heart to love all his children. I have the same amount of love in my heart to give to each of you. Do you understand?’
‘Yes Daddy, I know you love me lots and lots and you love Leah and Emily lots and lots too.’ With that, she jumped off his knee and bounded towards the door signalling the end of her concentration and the end of the conversation. She went out of the door, paused, and returned saying, ‘I love you Daddy and it is ok, I know I am your favorite but I won’t tell the others, it will be our secret.’ She placed her chubby little index finger to her lips to signify the keeping of a secret, smiled her Chloe smile and bounded away happily to play.

This is how love ought to be. Chloe had discovered the secret of true love. We may experience love from other people but if we truly believe that we are especially loved, we will have the self-esteem and confidence to love this person back with full expression and complete assurance. This knowledge brings with it a beautiful and exquisite kind of love.

Your Heavenly Father loves you greatly. Do you have the simple assurance of His love like Leah or the bold confidence of Chloe? Speak with your Father today and begin to discover a truly exquisite kind of love.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
donna robinson
03/10/05
My mom has many grandkids but I have always had a special relationship with her; I think I just understand her more. Everyone has kidded me that she really only has two grandkids, mine. I take it because I know I put ina lot of hard work making sure she had time with them and they didn't. But my daughter was always so loved by mom I worried if my son who is a little "different" harder to handle would get the same devotion. I shouldn't have worried because they both tell their grandma, they know they are favorite but won't tell the other sibling! enjoyed this so much!
Phyllis Inniss 
03/10/05
This story was beautifully told. It's great to love all the children and one still thinks she/he is the favourite.