I Love You: Guess How Much?
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Looking Back
Homesick or frightened little boys and girls often find themselves clinging to whatever and whoever can give them comfort and love. I was not an exception. I was eight years old when I left the safety of home and embarked on a journey that changed the course of my life.
There are those who turn to a teddy bear, favorite doll, toy or blanket as their security blanket. Others discover love from people like a best friend, a kind teacher or neighbor, a favorite aunt or grandparent while others bond with pets. And just like me, some found friendship with God.
Do you want to know how much someone loves you? Does it really matter?
See results without votingTo a scared and homesick eight year old, it meant the world to me that I found a friend in God. My earliest memory of this was excitedly going home from school, flinging my bag on the floor and sat cross-legged in bed while I rattled aloud as to what happened in school that day. I felt secure knowing somebody cared enough to listen as to how my day was. God became my father, my mother, my teacher, my friend all rolled into one.
Guess How Much I Love You?
As in any relationship we have with anyone, there were moments I would wonder. Moments when I needed reassurance. As I lay curled up in bed at night, with the blankets upto my chin, I would whisper softly in the dark; making sure no one was listening lest I would be called a silly twit of a girl. “Father God, do you love me?”
I would hear Him whisper in my heart. “Yes.”
Through the years, God has steadfastly showed me how much he loved me. I have come to recognize Him and felt His tender presence during these precious moments.
Comfort during Low Moments
I was in church sitting despondently avoiding any eye contact with anyone. I was startled when a little boy reached out and placed his hand on my knee. The dad smiled apologetically and lifted him up. A few minutes later, the little boy made his way back again and reached out to pat my knee. I couldn’t help it, I found myself smiling. I could feel God whispering softly, “I love you. I understand and feel your pain.”
One of those days when I was having relationship problems, my nephew asked me to play with him. I didn’t resist the invitation but found myself playing half heartedly. “C’mon let’s play!” He said giving me his favorite toy truck.
“I’m sorry Aldrich. I’m just sad today. I don’t feel like playing.” I replied honestly.
He never did this before. He jumped up and ran to me “Don’t be lonely Akoh. I love you.” Then he hugged me. A tear escaped my eye. How did he know I was feeling lonely? I could feel God hugging me through him as he whispered softly, “I love you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are not alone.”
Beautiful Love Articles
- Love: How It Can Heal You
- Voice Within
- Great Teachers: The Teachers in My Life
- Free Love! A Valentine Call
- Angels Among Us
- Knowing Your Love Language Can Help Your Relationships
- How To Love: A 5-Step Process
- Tough Questions to Answer
- Are You My Missing Piece?
- I Love You (A Father's Message)
- 10 Ways To Spot Unconditional Love
The Answer
God spoke of His love through kids, through friends who would suddenly send me an email, letter, text message, a story, a line from a song or a book. He made me smile with the surprises that came my way – a gift of love, or a new found friendship, small miracles like answered prayers and little triumphs of everyday living.
On my thirty second birthday, I remember asking him again teasingly and mischievously knowing already the answer. “Father God, do you love me?”
“Yes.” He answered for the umpteenth time.
“How much?” I probed.
“Very much.” He answered laughing.
One of the gifts I got on my birthday was a book called: Guess How Much I Love You. Guess How Much I Love You is a bestselling perfect picture book written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram. There are over 10,000,000 copies sold!
I opened the book and read the book together with God beside me.
When I closed the book, gratitude filled my heart as I saw myself as little nutbrown hare and He was my big nutbrown hare. Suddenly understanding dawned on me. Love can be so difficult to measure. But this book in its simplicity and profoundness clearly illustrated what boundless love means.
I lay down in bed thanking God for my bedtime story and bundled up under the covers I softly whispered. “Father God, you know what? I love you too. Very much.”
And just like little nutbrown hare who slept contentedly in his bed of leaves, I snuggled under the blankets and smiled knowing how loved I was. May love from God or from family or friends or even strangers you meet in every day life show you how loved you are in so many ways.
You are loved beautifully...tremendously.
By: Michelle Simtoco
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Comments
God is willing to shower His love on everyone but sometimes we may not be tuned to receive it. You are a wonderful human being and hence you are tuned to receive the love. Thumbs up for another wonderful touching hub.
Hi VioletSun, when I look back at my life, there have been many moments when children come up to me and comfort me. ALways when I need it! LOL Whenever that happens, I can't help but laugh with God. :-)
Thank you for the feedback. That is supposed to be the youtube video of the story. :-) Anyhow, here is the link to the story if you would like to see it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRmxTrZrKg8
Thank you for sharing a lovely moment with me to remember how much God loves you and me. Loving hugs to you...
Hi countrywomen, you are absolutely right. The love from God is free for everyone and how willing we are, how open we are to receive it depends on each one of us. Whenever I think of love, God is the first One who comes to my mind because I had Him and that made all the difference in my life. Blessings upon you dear sweet countrywomen. :-) Have a love filled week ahead of you.
Couldn't live, live without His Love...and I have had this book for ages...probably when it first appeared and have given it to many of the children I took care of...especially for their parents to read and realize the power of their children...Work work work...I always felt bad for these children as I was with them more per day, then their folks...like 8-9 hrs, 5 days a week...things are better now as they are older and in school...
Wonderful story my dear as always...you always amaze me...God Bless...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
Ripplemaker: I couldn't see it in my computer which crashed a few minutes later after reading your hub which means it was starting to develop problems. I am using Phil's. Now I see the Youtube video perfectly!.
I feel it is the best hub i have read till yet feels nice and free reading it really thanks for this hub.
Awwww, I so love your stories and do you know this is the first time I heard that story. Do you know how many times that book "Guess How Much I Love You" crossed my path; a million times, and I never picked it up. I love childrens books and read many to my two children and to many other children. For unknown reason I never picked this book up! I'm thinking now that it was meant for you to read to me? I think so! Thank you very very much for reading me a story, Sis. I loved the story and I love you across the miles and the ocean and back :)
Wonderful topic on finding lasting and meaningful love. I appreciate your way of looking at things.
Hi Ripplemaker, yehey you finally published it and see how beautiful it came out. I always loved your stories because they bring out the child in me. The books you also choose to share are those that appeal to all ages. Thank you for always sending ripples of love and radiating warmth and tenderness to our hearts. Happy Valentine's Day! I love you all the way to the sky and back again and back to the sky and back again in the cycle of infinity. Godbless:)
Ripplemaker,
Watching the video of that beautiful book brought back good memories. Also it was a sweet reminder that even when I feel I run into walls and am frustrated with life, relationships etc....I am loved by God who formed me, who knows me and who gave himself for me. Wow!
Thanks for the hub
Hi G-Ma, what a beautiful gesture you did for these kids. The first time I read this book, I got goosebumps all over. It is a very simple book actually. And yet, if it is a loved one speaking to you, it just transforms how one sees love. I never thought of measuring love this way. LOL But then again, it's another way of viewing things beautifully. Thanks my dear G-Ma for your sharing. I find great joy having you with me. I love you with God's love. God bless you always. :-)
Hi VioletSun, oh no, computer crashing is a catastrophe to hubaholics LOL Good thing Phil is there to save the day! :) Glad to know the video has appeared now.
Hi pertibha, thank you for your sweet comment.
Hi Sis Dottie, I like that...you loving me across the miles and the ocean and back! Woh! Oh yes, I am glad I am able to share this story with you. That makes this extra special. :D Hmmm...maybe one day, I could make a video and I will be the one to read it! WOuldn't that be great sis? LOL
Hi SweetiePie, I feel so happy because as I have received that love from God, I am also starting to experience love from people all over the world...like you. In the little and big ways you make me feel special, I thank you deeply. May you continue to experience a love that will give you much meaning and joy in this lifetime. Hugs! :D
Hi dayzeebee, up and up away to the sky and back to the sky and back...HELP, I'm getting dizzy... Hahahahaha Don't mind me, I'm in a happy mood as I read your comment and just feel warmed by so much support and encouragement and so much love here. I'm getting dizzy and drunk with love. LOL Love you dearly. To rollercoaster rides of love and joy with you in the year 2009 :-)
Hi coffeesnob, wow! That seems to summarize how we feel when we experience and recognize God's wondrous love. :D Thank you for sharing your sentiments here and giving me lots of things to smile about on this rainy day! Be warmed in His mighty love.
I loved the video Rip. Real cute. Now if I were Goldentoad, I might say, "Let me play with your knee and I'll show you how much I love you". But I'm not. So I'll just say, "I love you the mostest! Whole bunches full."
Great story.
this hub took me in my past when i was of school going age and all of the relatives and friends love me.
When we find God in our heart, He manifests Himself through our friends, family members, people that we meet... We see Him, His work and His glory everywhere.
Thanks for a another nice hub.
Hi C.C. Riter, had no idea that goldentoad would say that LOL you had me laughing out loud! If you and I had a relationship, I don't think I'd mind. But since we are not into that, I accept your wholesome love. LOL Thanks for commenting CC and for the laughter too :-)
Property Finance, yes it's a story many have read already. Hmmm...except when they haven't Hehe
Hi Happy World, isn't it nice to see God through the people that surrounds us? Makes the world a happier place right? Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :-)
Ripplemaker, great, feel good hub! However, don't give so much credit to the Unseen for what the people who are manifestly there in your life do. It takes away from the credit they deserve. You are truly blessed to have so many real, flesh and blood people who love you!
Hi Aya, thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I guess I am doubly blessed then. LOL I have God who has been my best friend for years and I thank Him daily for all the wonderful people who have shown me love in little and big ways! :D
Your page is such a happy place to be! Ahh to love and be loved... Thanks for sharing and again, for spreading love! :D
Rip, you're a real class act. So happy, I sure hope you always are that way. I just had to come back. I love that smile.
When you love someone profoundly you start seeing him everywhere and in everyone. That's what has been happening with you. Truly, you are the blessed one. You love Him and he takes care of you. Thx for a great hub
I love you too Michelle :)
Love and light :)
Hi Cris, I feel good myself and was just dancing in the streets with dayzeebee and my family as our village celebrated the feast of Sto. Nino. :-) Thank you for being here and sharing with me this joy! Hug, hug, hug!
Hi CC, you are most welcome to come back again and again. Honestly, I also have my down moments CC and yet I am sooo much happier now with myself, with people and life itself. And if I can share that joy, I will do it. For that brings joy to my heart too. :-)
Hi anjalichugh, you see things the way I see it too. I love you dearly for sharing this comment. When life was rough and difficult for me, I found His love and He took care of me...all those lonely moments of my life and I can't help but just be deeply grateful that I had and continue to have Him/Her. I have this sudden urge to hug you close and whisper to you, "God loves you too very much."
Hi Milla, you made me smile. I love you too Milla. It's always a pleasure to see your beautiful smile in my hub. :-)
Oh Michelle, you probably don`t know but it`s very easy to love you. I don´t know if it is true that God "talks" to us through our friends but I can assure you this time it`s really me:
I Love you!
You`re a wonderful person, a precious friend and someone who always has some kind words towards me (and others, I`ve seen you around lol). I guess anjalichugh is right, love can work as karma - when you spread it you´ll get it back sometime ;-)
Thanks for the good reminder. I'm kind of bummed out today, even though I know I shouldn't be. This hub was good for me to read.
Ripplemaker,
Love is all you need, right? Most human beings find the need for love and companionship the most important thing in their lives. Children, especially, need the love and nurturing of those around them. How sad that you didn't have that in your childhood, but how wonderful that you looked inward, then up above for love! It takes a strong character to do that; so many wounded children turn out so differently, looking to gangs or violence or crime to find self-worth and "love" as they see it, acceptance, I suppose.
God, no matter how we picture him and no matter how we relate to him, is the beginning of all and therefore, where love began. You are right; he can help us live and also to heal if we just keep in touch with him!
Madison
Very good hub, enjoyed the read
Angel Michelle, you told your story so beautifully! You make it easy for me to visualize you as a little girl, sad and lonely, then receiving just the message you needed. I liked the part about the little boy putting his hand on your knee too, like someone else mentioned.
I've never heard of this story, but it's great! Very sweet. If it had been around when my kids were little, I would have loved to read it to them.
Maybe Dottie will let me hitch a ride with her across the ocean to give you a big hug and tell you that, "I love you this much".
Thumbs up for you, Precious Angel!
P.S. I hope everybody clicks on your "Beautiful Love Articles" links above on the right. They lead to more of these great stories!!
This hit all the right notes- some left brain, some right, and lots of heart. I remember being really homesick too when I was away from home at 9 years. It was tough at the time, but I really think that period, 4 years (its a long but good story) also gave me a really strong foundation in many ways.
A very sweet and touching story, ripplemaker, and wonderfully told. Peace!
Going away from home at a young age is always hard but you were lucky ripplemaker that you found the love and strength you needed to become who you are today...another beautifully written hub ..thanks for sharing ...cheers
I come home after a long day at work and read all your comments and the tears are falling now...I know my heart is remembering the pain, the loneliness and yet, the joy too. I guess this is the 'baby' in me crying out to be loved. And the joy in recognizing and gratitude that indeed I was loved.
My dear funride, Ricardo. I know the words are from you. I hear you and the words I love you. Thank you for saying them aloud. I can actually "hear" you say it. And yet, I hear God through you too. I don't know if that makes sense to you but it does to me. The pain and fear crippled me in a lot of ways before but I'm glad I'm loving myself and others better and better. I appreciate your friendship very much. And Ricardo, I love you too!
Hi Benjimester, if I may sit down with you and be bummed out together for awhile, lets! Then we can look at the moon and remember this story and then laugh out loud. Well, if I am bummed out myself, that is what I would want to do with you. Thanks for being here.
Hi Madison, I love what you wrote here. I actually read it again and again to savor the words and wisdom along with it. You have much compassion in you. I feel that. I too believe we all need to be loved esp. young children (and where our experiences mold our beliefs and perceptions to what life is). I continue to be grateful that God helped me through the tough times and was my playmate when I was a child. I believe when I had the courage to share this to a classmate, she said, "you sure are weird." And through the years, that label got stuck with me. But I'm glad God and I never got separated. I argued with him, fought him but He never left. Thanks again for sharing your heart.
Hi Scotty Smith, thank you too.
Hi lifebydesign, you are so right. I am who I am today because of all the things I went through. It may have been tough but I would never exchange it for anything. Thank you so much.
A beautiful hub about love. I have the "Guess How Much I Love You?" book. It was a present from a very dear friend. It is a very short and simple book but the message is so touching, the book has never left my bedside table.
I love your story on love and caring.
Hi Angel Shirley, I had to calm down for awhile before answering your comment. I might not know how to explain to my mom my red eyes this evening. If you and Dottie would arrive at my doorstep, the hug will make me laugh and cry too. We women can be pretty silly huh? Wonderfully silly LOL I continue to be grateful for the love and encouragement you send my way. Do you know I guess that is why I am crying because there is so much sincerity in your words and all the comments here, I am so touched by it. Thank you Shirley. You are precious to me too. :-) Love and light...
Hi Christoph, why thank you sire! :) You delight me with your presence.
Hi Ajcor, I'm glad I didn't quit. There were many moments when I wanted to but I just keep hearing God saying I love you. He was so much more than just a friend, he was my saving grace too. Thanks too for reading my hub: "are all my journeys worthwhile." I can now firmly say, it was worth all of it! :) Blessings..
Hi Princessa, I know as a mom you love your children all the way to the moon and back. That touches me a lot. Thank you for sharing that sweetness to all of us here in Hubpages. You inspire me a lot.
Hi sixtyorso, if you have felt all the love and the caring here, all of this is worthwhile. I wish that the purest desires of your heart may manifest more and more. May love and joy reign in your home always.
I love your hubs! They are from the heart and always transparent. God has truly blessed your life! May His peace continue to percolate through your life! Blessings always.
RJ
Hi Rob, it's always lovely to hear from a wonderful person such as you. You see things so beautifully and I accept that peace that comes from our Father of Love. And may you have that peace that comes from knowing that all is well. Blessings too. :-)
This is such a beautiful hub. In every which way it paints a picture of how God can touch our lives with something as simple as a friend. Please continue to write hubs like this one....they are apreciated. :-)
I was one that who turned to my granddad and that has become one of my favorite stories – he was my rock. But like you I found my greatest friend in God my Rock.I loved the little story with video. I’d never seen that before.
Thank you. ~ eddie
Hi snoopyluvsme, glad to know you've been touched by God through your friends. :-) Welcome to Hubpages!
Hi Eddie, my granddad, my God, my rock. I like that. Indeed being able to anchor ourselves to our source of strength and comfort makes a whole lot of difference in our world. :-) Thanks for reading this hub.
This article reminds me of the last scene in "Love Actually" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDZUfGBUSeY
We need more love and less hate in this world.
I couldn't agree more cgull. We do need more love in this world. Keep soaring with love. :-)
You be the same send us more ripples this way :)
Agreed! (handshake then) LOL
Hi Ripplemaker:)
Woe! I have lots of catching up2do! Having grown up in a world without love! until i met my very first girlfriend:D hehe!,,,i know the love your talking about here is totally different!
Ill listen to the video "Guess How Much I Love You later..
ty:)
You are a wonderful person and full of love. I only know your written words. In the flesh I believe you would be full of love.
I thank God at least 20 times per day, everyday.
Especially when i wake in the morning and he lets me arrive at my journey's end, either by car or back to sleep.
Thank you for a great Hub.
Hi compu-smart, great to see back with a new avatar too. :-) Love comes in many forms and each one comes into our lives as we need them. Thanks for dropping by.
Hi Mr.M, I am honored to meet a man with a deep gratitude for life and God. You inspire me more than you will ever know. Keep living with zest and life will be a fulfilling one always. :-) Many blessings to you and your family dear sire! :-)
Hi Ripplemaker..
Thanks for the video! very sweet! It reminded me soo much of "Water Ship down movie which player quite a part of my life when i was a very likkle boy!:)
Hi Compu-smart! You're back for your story. LOL Thanks! Water Ship Down? That sounds interesting? Hmm maybe I better look for that movie then. I wish you much love my dearest angel friend. Take care...
Well: guess how much I loved reading this? You are a dear, sweet, Ripple, and the waves you make are really vibrations of positive energy widening around you. What joy.
Hi Teresa, I love the positive spirit you emanate whenever you visit my hubs. Thanks for giving those too. I'm glad to say that the more I share love, the more I receive love in return (and many of them in unexpected ways). Thanks for allowing me to share my joy with you. :-)
My street cred is now gone because Water Ship Down is that kinda film!---- fluffy bunny rabbits in a cartoon! lol
Michelle ;0)
I,m so the same Glad we get to share the same father !!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael ;0)
Hi Mike...me too...me too. God bless you! :-)
What a gorgeous, heartfelt hub! I love it to pieces. I read that book to my kids many a time. It was wonderful seeing the video. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. I hope it reaches many.
Thanks so much SoulaBee. I was teary eyed writing this story. During those moments when I felt so alone, God was just there and because of Him/Her I survived those months and years being apart from my parents. :-) I am grateful for you. Love and light...
Yup, I understand this subject well. My parents split up when I was five. "Do you love me?" was always my question to God. Now I know He loves me. Thanks for this lovely hub.
I salute you! http://hubpages.com/hub/Use-Your-Beauty-For-Good
Christianesk: Yes He does love us so. :D Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts.
Yes indeed, people just need love and God is always and forever is there with his unconditional love... all we need to do is reach out to him and we couldn't ask for more.
VioletSun says:
11 months ago
Took a break from working and took my time to read this hub, slowly. The message is clear, we are indeed Loved, and its a source of strength and comfort to know we are loved unconditionally by God/Source (however, we percieve Him). Lovely article, Michelle, thanks for infusing my moment with God's love and yours.
Enjoyed the image of the little boy patting your knee.
P.S. The "This is how the story goes" is blank... but yet it doesn't detract from the message...is it on my end? I am wondering if my page didn't load or am I being dense. LOL!