How To Craft the Most Meaningful Love Letter

Gold Brush Stroke

Children are often the best teachers.

I thought a knew a lot until I became a parent. Now nearly 24 years later, I realize how little I really knew and how much my children have taught me, like how to love like Jesus.

love with actions

My husband and I have four children. Our daughter, 19 years old, has significant special needs of an unknown etiology (in other words, we don’t know the reason for her disability).

She is moderately to severely globally delayed. Rachel has 2 older brothers (Daniel 23 and Zachary 21) and 1 younger (Joseph 16).

The love my sons offer their sister goes beyond words, Valentine’s Day cards, and flowers (although these are all good things). The boys’ love toward Rach is founded in actions, mirroring the love God showers on us.

When young, our family looked as “normal” as any other. Sibling rivalry, fights disagreements over toys, arguments about whose turn it was to have a certain book punctuated hours of play, snuggle time, and naps. Rachel fit in as any sister would. 

But as my children grew, and the gap between Rachel and her peers became more pronounced, a special relationship began to form between the boys and Rach. Their love toward her become more actionable, and that continues today.

Kids - Craters of the Moon- 2013-smaller

A Love Letter of Action

With little thought to the way they are blessing their parents, my sons protect, play with, and provide for Rachel in the sweetest way imaginable.

Where elbows would usually keep others from sitting too close to them on the couch, an arm draws Rachel close.

Where boys often have an aversion to playing with dolls and anything remotely “girly,” my sons indulge their sister in most requests—even allowing their fingernails to be painted (I have proof).

Where many boys avoid their sisters during their formative years, my sons beg to go on long road trips with Rach.

Where boys often want to exclude everyone from their personal space, my sons allow Rachel all manner of concessions in this area as she loves to engage with them … often … and for long periods of time.

Where boys are often self-centered in their teen years, wanting to have their own fun, my sons work to incorporate Rach in their fun and are so excited when she can participate with the family in an event.

My sons are not more special or “better” than other boys. They are typical teenagers and young adults, struggling to find their unique path in life, like everyone else. 

But what is special is the way they’ve expressed their love to their sister. They’ve written her a love letter expressing their feelings through their everyday actions.

God’s Love Letter

This is similar to the love letter the Lord has written to us. Sure He gave us His written Word, but in that Word, He directs us to the evidence of His love. 

God’s love isn’t based simply on His words; His love is founded in His actions. 

God's love isn't based simply on His words; His love is founded in His actions. Share on X

Eating with the unclean.

Serving the least.

Healing the lame.

Giving sight to the blind.

Raising the dead.

Offering life to those with no hope. 

His is truly a special love letter of action. 

We often think of expressing love through carefully chosen words or by purchasing a special gift. But the everyday act of love is far more precious, don’t you think? 

We often think of expressing love through carefully chosen words or by purchasing a special gift. But the everyday act of love is far more precious. What love letter of action can you craft today? Share on X

Maybe it’s time, we too, begin crafting a love letter of actions. 

Thank you, Daniel, Zachary, and Joseph, for reminding your mom of what love should look like (even if you didn’t know you were doing it). Your father and I love you guys so much and are very proud of who God is crafting you to be!

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

Reflection: Does someone you know demonstrate love like Jesus did, through the power of actions, not just mere words? Do you?

I’m thrilled to link up with Holley Gerth for Coffee for Your Heart on Wednesday and Suzie Eller for #livefree Thursday and this week’s prompt, love letter. I love these special linkups. They provide an abundance of great inspiration and encouragement all in one place. Click on the images below to check them out.  

By His Grace,

Julie

9 Comments

  1. Suzanne Eller on February 5, 2015 at 8:59 am

    I believe your sons are special. What a privilege to have these young men modeling such love to their sister and to others. Love this!

    • Julie Sunne on February 5, 2015 at 2:39 pm

      I believe they are too, Suzie, but doesn’t every mom think that? It is an honor to be guiding these young men.

  2. Christy @christylouhoo on February 5, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    What a beautiful living illustration of Christ’s love toward us you have right in your family! Thanks for sharing it and your heart with us! 🙂

    • Julie Sunne on February 5, 2015 at 2:40 pm

      I’m abundantly blessed, Christy.

  3. Kim S on February 5, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    Julie, such a beautiful example of #livefree through your sons example. I have a 17-year old son with special needs & can’t wait for his loving little brother to read this! Kim kimstewartinspired.com

    • Julie Sunne on February 6, 2015 at 6:39 am

      Thank you, Kim! The compassion and empathy developed in our kiddos who are raised with a sibling who has special needs is a special blessing.

  4. Cecelia Lester (Quiet Spirit) on February 6, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    Julie: Your sons will do well in their chosen field of work. They already know to display kindness to others. I wish children had learned this back in the late 1970’s and 1980’s. It would have helped us to assist our son to be more confident about himself. Your family is in a win-win situation.

  5. Linda Fitzpatrick McClellan on February 14, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    You are truly blessed and your children are beautiful. Many blessings being send your way, Linda

    • Julie Sunne on February 14, 2017 at 7:32 pm

      I am blessed, Linda! Thank you!

Leave a Comment





Julie Sunne

Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.

Search the Blog

Categories

25 spotlight bible verses
Maintain Godly Focus!

Are you struggling to maintain godly focus in the mess of each day's living? Do you too easily find yourself worrying about circumstances instead of trusting in God's promises? If you answered yes, why not download my ebook. It's filled with 25 power verses with space for personal reflection to help you maintain godly focus, no matter what situations arise.

(Privacy policy: Don't worry, your information is safe you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

New Book, Just Released!

Sometimes I Forget by Julie Sunne