From time to time, the Lord will use repetition to get my attention and it usually involves a specific phrase or word. This repetition basically translates as a knock, knock, knock on the door of my heart. These repeated words will show up in a sermon, a billboard, or in this case a song:

“You’re the way, the truth and the life.
You’re the well that never runs dry.
I’m the branch and you are the vine.
Draw me close and teach me to abide.
Be the strength of my life.
Be my all, my treasure, my prize.
I am yours forever you’re mine.
Draw me close and teach me to abide.”
~Abide by Aaron Keyes

So what does “abide” mean? Well, in part, Merriam-Webster defines it as bearing patiently, waiting, accepting without objection, remaining stable or fixed, and continuing in a place. In our fast-paced world, abiding does not come naturally. It requires us to slow down, sit still, and quiet ourselves. In fact, in this productivity-focused world, it may even be frowned upon or considered lazy. I’m sure all of us can remember times we have mentally battled over spending time with the Lord or getting that to-do list started. As if abiding with Christ doesn’t accomplish something!

Which brings us to the question: why abide with the Lord? Let’s go back to Pastor Aaron’s song…
“For my waking breath.
For my daily bread.
For the sun to rise.
For my sleep at night.
Where your Spirit leads I’m following.
For the victories still in front of me.
As I pass through death
As I enter rest.
For eternal life
To be raised with Christ.
….I depend on you.”

We abide because we are fully dependent on the Lord for life. All of it. Even the most vulnerable part of life – death – finds us fully dependent on God. Life without abiding is, well, lifeless. Abiding with the Lord is how we lay down burdens, receive refreshing, welcome healing, become more Christ-like, and are filled with power to get back to our Father’s business. Abiding is how we point people to Jesus.

Please allow me to gently remind us all that the Lord has placed people in our lives and they are watching us. Family, friends, and strangers alike. They notice how we walk through life – celebrations and struggles. What makes us different? Why should they trust this Jesus we claim to love? While we should not slip into the dangers of performance, we do need to keep time with the Lord a high priority. Why? When we spend time in the presence of the Lord, we are changed in our minds, words, and actions. He changes us and that results in us naturally carrying the presence of the Lord – splashing it out on to those around us. Our obedience to abide demonstrates to others how to abide with the Lord themselves. We leave footprints for them to follow into His presence….where they lay down burdens, receive refreshing, welcome healing, become more Christ-like, are filled with power…and they are changed too. 

And isn’t that what we are prayerfully trying to accomplish? Through emails, phone calls, community outreaches, coffee conversations, Bible studies, worship gatherings, our very lives….it is all meant to point people to the only thing we really have. Jesus. Abiding. With. Jesus. He is our everything.

As you go about your day, I pray that you will find time to simply abide with Him. To receive His hand-picked gifts for you. I pray that your body would relax into His strong embrace. That your soul would be soothed and restored. Your mind renewed. I pray that you would hear His loving reminder that…

You are adored.

Have you ever been in a season of contending – an extended time of prayerfully fighting for something that just doesn’t seem to want to break loose? If I may be completely transparent, I have been in a season of contending for peace. Fighting against discord, malice, rumors, and discouragement. It seems the more I try to walk in love with encouragement to those around me, the more push-back I get spiritually.

Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

If we are in the midst of doing good, we can expect opposition. So the Lord addresses the gorilla in the room and encourages us to keep up our strength – don’t become weary. We must learn to train for the fight and rest when we are tired, so that we don’t quit. Training includes prayer, spending time in the word, and awareness of the spiritual atmosphere. Contending for something in the spiritual is prayerful fighting. So prayer overlaps training and rest.…actual rest. Resting is not something our culture does very well, so it takes practice and intentionality to quiet our bodies, minds, and spirits to welcome the Lord’s holy refreshing.

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;
for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,
just as God did from his.
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest,
so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:9-11

Galatians continues with a promise that we WILL see a harvest. Our perseverance will pay off. So it makes sense that the enemy of our souls will do all he can to get our eyes off God, turn them to the mountain we face, throw our hands in the air and cry, “I give up!” But we can’t!

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,
but not with God;
all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:27

Friends, what are you contending for? Spoken truth to silence rumors? A prodigal child’s heart to be opened to God? Joy for a discontented spouse? Fruition of a promise that God spoke to you? Realization of a dream? Peace? Don’t give up! Take a deep breath and keep going. You are not alone – you have a Helper.

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper,
so that He may be with you forever;
John 14:16 (NASB)

Our Father is a good and loving God. He has invited us into this work of his, in part, to grow us into the people he designed us to be. Not to frustrate us. Not to set us up for failure. But to strengthen us so that we can share that strength with others. To prepare us so that we are ready for whatever we face. To keep our eyes on him – our ears tuned to him – our hearts set on him – as we celebrate AND as we contend in doing good. He loves you. He has such good plans for you. He is always whispering…

You are adored.

You’re doing a good job!

The interviews, phone calls, emails, and arranging of calendars… The prayers, copies, and helping people find their place in the family of God… The laundry, feeding your family, and changing the car’s oil… All of it is seen. Sometimes we can get lost in the process of our processes and forget that God is watching. We can forget that what we do is really for the glory of God – the menial and the magnificent.

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her:
“You are the God who sees me,” for she said,
“I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Genesis 16:13

When was the last time we – men and women alike – experienced the deep appreciation and wonder of Hagar when she realized that the God of the universe cared about her, saw her efforts, and responded with love toward her? She didn’t make one step outside of God’s watchful eye. Even when she ran, he sent his angel to encourage her and set her on the right path again. As a slave – a female slave – it was a miracle to be seen, let alone to be seen by God.

To be seen is powerful.

May I remind you that you are seen? Your work is precious to him because of the heart with which you complete it. Whatever you set your hands to he is pleased with, because you do it to honor him. And you are seen not just for the work you do, but as the beloved children that you are. You are doing a good job! “Good,” as in quality and “good,” as in ordained. He has given you a good work to complete in a good way.

You are seen! You are appreciated. You are cherished. And…

You are adored.

I was on my way to work the other day and paused at the corner to allow a runner to cross the street before I continued. It isn’t unusual to see runners in my neighborhood throughout the day but this time was a bit different. This runner was joined by two off-leash dogs – one golden retriever and one very enthusiastic dachshund. Watching those three cross the street was one of the highlights of my day!

As I entered traffic, I sensed the Holy Spirit say, “What a great example of my beloved humanity.” 

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

This unlikely trio were running together and it was an obvious highlight for each of them; something they all enjoyed. But I got the impression from this brief encounter that they enjoyed one another’s company just as much, if not more than, the run itself.

But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge, I will tell of all your deeds.
Psalm 73:28

The dogs didn’t seem to need a leash. They stuck close to their master knowing he would keep them safe. In fact, although the dachshund paused a little longer at the corner to make sure she should continue, as soon as her master looked back she blissfully bounded into the street without a care in the world! All three of them checked on the other often for a status report of sorts – sometimes circling back a few steps to make sure they were in close proximity to one another. 

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11

While the golden was leading the way, the dachshund had all the heart. Seriously, I have never seen a more enthusiastic dachshund – her short little legs double-timing just to keep up, her ears flapping in the breeze with each step. I really do believe I saw her smile as she crossed the street! She wasn’t at all phased by the fact that her two companions were more “fitted” to running than she was. She didn’t even seem to care that she was the caboose in the lineup. She was taking part in the run and giving it all she had with all-out JOY. A true testament to living with zeal!

I’m so grateful the Lord gave me that little snapshot on the way to work. He showed me in a matter of seconds what living in community with confidence and abandon can look like…even though each of them were so different. A man, a golden, and a dachshund. A beautiful, unexpected example of God’s whisper to his creation…

You are adored.

Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you are told to wash it,
but because you love the person who will use it next.
~Saint Teresa of Calcutta

As an Executive Assistant, I can easily get caught up in my “need tos” and my “shoulds.” AKA, my tasks. I have learned to look at the mountain and mentally dissect it, breaking it down by priority, size, time, and a variety of other distinctions before charging ahead fully armed in conquer mode. In the process, though, I can easily slip into doing what I do because it is my responsibility rather than because I love the one I am doing it for.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4

I serve many people. We all do! Our families, neighbors, friends, community, oversights, coworkers, and strangers all get our time, talents, and attention to one degree or another. This calling is a gift. Yet, there are days when, for a variety of reasons, we might not see it that way. Our human nature takes hold and suddenly pride, fear, or selfishness have highjacked our motivations.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24

When was the last time you spent your day with the mindset that you are stewarding your responsibilities for the Lord, himself? When you take a call, you are the Lord’s ambassador to the caller. When you respond to a difficult email, you are doing so as a delegate of Jesus. When you set up an event, you are preparing a place on behalf of the Jesus who loves those who will attend. 

Personally, I am asking the Lord to refresh my awareness of this fact – my awareness of his invitation. My desire is to approach each day, both at the office and at home, with the intention to accomplish what has been entrusted to me simply because I love the one I am accomplishing it for. May love be my greatest aim (1 Corinthians 14:1) as I approach each person and set my hands to each task. And in the process, my prayer is that each one would know…

You are adored.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

We are just one day away from one of the biggest celebrations of the year – Christmas Eve. It is the night we miraculously welcome the faith-full and the faith-challenged under one roof. The faith-full ….wondrously filled with joy over the greatest gift in the history of creation. The faith-challenged …often arriving out of obligation to a loved one or out of tradition, not really understanding what all the fuss is about. Each of them will walk through the church doors with their own experiences and their own expectations. Some with great anticipation and others with mild curiosity. 

Whatever your own growing-up experience is when it comes to Christmas – as present-day followers of Jesus and lovers of God, as stewards of His House – this night, Christmas Eve, is special. Traditions and stories take a back seat to the wonder of this miracle and the reality of God’s gift as they collide into a beautiful awareness that erupts into joy and excitement

If we let it.

Children have such honest ways of explaining the feelings that are coursing through them during the Christmas season. Sometimes their only explanation is running in circles while screeching at the top of their lungs. Sometimes they are overwhelmed, and tears ensue. Others simply say they have tickles in their tummies.

I wonder if the angels had tickles in their tummies. How excited they must have been! Peering over the edge of Heaven with bated breath. Waiting for the first cries of our Lord and Savior as he entered our world as fully God and fully man. Waiting for the curtains of heaven to open wide for their grand announcement to those considered the lowliest of men.

As Assistants, our roles vary widely when it comes to Christmas Eve responsibilities. We might have food preparation, or candle assembly, or invitations to send, or preaching notes to deliver, or volunteers to direct, or gifts to account for, or any mix of practical things! So much of what we do is in the hidden places, behind the scenes, peering from behind the curtains in anticipation of what the Lord is about to do. Let’s remember to pause and allow the Holy Spirit to stir up the excitement in us. Let’s be intentional about our wonder. Let’s make ourselves available to stand fully in the wonder of His love. Let’s allow Him to cause tickles in our tummies. 

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
Psalm 95:1-2

You are adored.

It was Christmas Eve 1971. Following our Christmas tradition, the cookies were baked, decorated, and set out with a cold glass of milk. Right where Santa could find them! I hopped in bed, pulled the covers up close, and watched out the window, just hoping for a glimpse of Santa as he cruised the moonlit sky that night. For some reason, that year brought a special desire to see the Big Guy in action and it was the perfect night to spot him!

You can imagine my delight when I DID!

Just like I read about in the Christmas stories, I saw Santa’s reindeer pulling him and his sleigh across the beautiful moon in the Colorado sky. It took my breath away. I rubbed my eyes and looked again. Yep, it was him! Well, this was news to be shared, not kept to myself! So, I hopped out of bed and ran to the living room to tell Mom and Dad. They were going to be sooooo excited!

You can imagine my surprise when Dad, seeing that I had disobeyed by getting up, disappointingly shook his head and told me to go back to bed. It wasn’t Santa; it was clouds that I had seen, and I needed to get back in bed right now. I’m guessing that it was my fallen face that reminded him in that moment that I was only five years old, and I truly believed that Santa was coming to our house that night. Perhaps it was my mom’s horror-stricken face as she stood behind me that clued him in to his misstep. Whatever it was, he mostly recovered when he told me that even if it was Santa, he wouldn’t be able to come to our house if I was still awake. So I better get back to bed. Right now.

But it was probably just clouds.

Have you had a similar situation where someone caused you to question your belief in Santa? Your belief in yourself? Your confidence in your calling from the Lord? The world is filled with nay-sayers. From the time of creation, the enemy of our souls has been questioning what we know to be true. Trying to plant doubt in our faith garden. But even the most expert nay-sayers can’t actually change the truth from what it is – the truth. They can only try to plant doubt. God’s word stands – even when questioned. As His children, we too can stand strong on His truth – even when questioned.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for
and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

I don’t know if it was my Irish stubbornness or what I had just witnessed that helped me silently respond, “Its OK, Dad. Even if you don’t believe that I saw Santa, I have enough belief for the two of us!” And I climbed back in bed undeterred by his doubt, knowing that Santa would be making his stop at our house that night.

The next morning, the cookies were gone and just a trace of milk was left in the glass. And wouldn’t you know it….there were plenty of presents under the tree from the Big Guy himself! Reflecting now on that experience, I also am reminded of the big smiles on my parents’ faces as my brother and I delighted in the gifts left for us. As Dad witnessed our joy that morning, I think he rediscovered a measure of his own belief as well. 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

When someone questions what you know the Lord has spoken, stand firm. God is not shaken by questioning and it does not change what He has said. Let the Holy Spirit do what only He can in the heart of that person, drawing them to Himself with kindness. You, stand strong in what you know! 

You are adored.

I was a pretty obedient child but there is nothing like the anticipation of Santa’s arrival that can tempt even the most compliant child to push boundaries…

My grandparents were visiting from Illinois that Christmas and our house was all a-buzz with the fun that grandparents bring to an already fun-filled season! That particular Christmas Eve my parents had quite a time getting my brother and me to bed. We already watched A Charlie Brown Christmas with our tv dinners in the living room. We put the final sprinkles on the cookies for Santa and set them out on a special plate with a tall glass of milk. We had extra play time with Grandpa and cuddles with Grandma. And now it was time to go to bed. Truly. Now!

Prayers prayed, and all tucked in, we still weren’t ready to sleep. Well, at least, I wasn’t ready. While Mike snoozed away in our shared bedroom, I wondered what it was that adults did on Christmas Eve once the littles were sleeping. The laughter floating down the hall from the living room implied that they were having a great time! So, thrilled by the idea of discovery, I slipped out of bed and slinked down the hall, just out of sight. There I spied on my parents and grandparents – wrapping final gifts, watching tv, and simply enjoying a visit. 

Overhearing my mom say, “I think I’ll check on the kids,” I bolted back down the hall and jumped into bed with my best possum impression. She fell for it! This little routine happened two more times – me becoming bolder with each trip down the hall, until….I saw them – all of them – EATING SANTA’S COOKIES!!

Well, there is nothing like seeing the four most-trusted adults in your life eating Santa’s cookies to embolden a child. My very sudden appearance in the living room, filled with defiance and disbelief, created quite a stir. “Why are you eating Santa’s cookies?! And you drank his milk too? We made those just for HIM!” Bits of cookie and sprays of milk filled the air with my shocked accusations. A chorus of promises to replace what they had eaten and apologies for their mistake quicky ensued. Until they remembered that they were the adults in the room, not me! With my grandparents’ stifled snickers and giggles in the background, my mom chided me (with a half-grin on her own face) and ushered me back to the bedroom – reminding me that Christmas Eve was no time to get my name moved to Santa’s naughty list by getting out of bed and spying on the adults! (Well played, Mom.)

As funny as this memory is to me now, it sure wasn’t funny at the time. I was aghast that they would dare to eat what we had prepared so lovingly for our midnight guest. It felt personal. Let me be clear, despite the giggles and snickers, my parents and grandparents were (nearly) as upset as I was. The idea that they had somehow broken trust with me was saddening – to all of us – despite the humorous conditions. But in the moment, it felt like something was stolen. 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23

Have you ever felt that something was stolen from you? Recognition for a job well done, opportunity, a gift prepared for someone other than the one who received it? As children of the Most High, we submit all we are and all we have to His hands for His purposes and His glory. Nothing escapes His view or knowledge. While we have the immediate view of what is missing, He has the eternal view of what we are gaining from the experience. He brings good from bad, victory from trial, blessing from curses. We lack nothing! We can trust our faithful Father to lead us through every situation with grace, love, and provision. He is good. He is loving. He is faithful. And He wants you to remember….

You are adored.

Our family was one of the many who made it a tradition to park ourselves in front of the TV, with a TV dinner, on a TV tray, and soak in every second of network television’s annual airing of allll the Christmas specials. Rudolph, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, and The Grinch just to name a few. Early in the week, my brother and I would grab our favorite colored ink pens, snag the TV Guide, and circle the specific day and time for each and every showing. Then we’d strategize to get homework and chores done – all without pouting or crying, of course – and have ourselves joyfully in place before the first note of intro music ever played. It was quite the event!

I have to be honest, though, when I heard these words playing through our Sears TV speaker, I cringed just a little…

“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch
You really are a heel
You’re as cuddly as a cactus, you’re as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch
You’re a bad banana with a greasy black peel!”

My eight-year-old heart just didn’t like Mr. Grinch. I tried to be excited, but found myself sitting just a bit further back into the couch when his green face filled the TV screen. I mean, can you blame me for preferring the cheery face of Rudolph over Mr. Termite Teeth?

Enter Cindy Lou Who.

Cindy Lou is the bravest little girl I knew! Despite the horrible descriptions that were uttered about Mr. Grinch all around her, she chose to ignore it. Cindy Lou decided to find out for herself just who this skinny-legged, green guy was. Maybe he was just misunderstood. Maybe he was simply living up to all that was spoken over him….

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs,
that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29

It is only human, even Grinchy, to believe what we hear from others. Especially when it is repeated over and over. And if those things are negative, it is only human, even Grinchy, to withdraw and protect our hearts from more hurt. Sadly, though, withdrawal actually causes more pain and before we know it, we are spewing hurt on those around us. Even those who never inflicted it in the first place. We need people in our lives who are brave enough to go against the current of (negative) popular opinion and believe the best of us. In the more modern “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Cindy Lou went to great lengths to climb Mount Crumpit, find Mr. Grinch, and invite him into their Christmas celebrations. “No matter how different a Who may appear, he will always be welcome with holiday cheer.” 

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11

She invited Mr. Grinch.

Cindy Lou made great effort to invite Mr. Grinch then she – shall we say – let the Holy Spirit do His work. OK, OK! I know I’m stretching things a little! My point is that we are not responsible to be the Holy Spirit or do His work for Him. But we are responsible to be kind; to speak truth and life to those around us; our words should be a benefit to those hearing them. It might take great effort on our part, but the pay-off in their lives is immeasurable and those words of truth work in partnership with the Holy Spirit’s work – shifting the trajectory of a life. Helping a “Grinch’s small heart grow three sizes that day.”

When we encounter people who seem to be living up to the lies that have been spoken over them, let’s be the ones who speak the Lord’s love in response. Just imagine if the horrible descriptions crooned in the Grinch song were replaced with melodies of truth, love, and the gentle whisper…

You are adored.

In October of 2012, my grandmother Slattery passed into eternity. She had lived a beautiful and simple life dedicated to her family and the Lord. For 91 years. As a midwestern farm girl who married a boilermaker during World War II, she knew how to make the most of simplicity. She wasn’t a woman of extravagance, yet she never seemed to be without. The surprise of contentment. 

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8

Our family was blessed to make the trip and attend her funeral, spending time with extended family as we gathered to celebrate her life. The evening before her funeral four generations of Slatterys gathered in the hotel lobby to just enjoy one another despite the sad reason for our togetherness. It didn’t take long before lobby furniture was rearranged into a large, lopsided circle, pizza and drinks were in every hand, and I noticed my aunt bringing shoe boxes to the coffee table in the middle of all this hullabaloo. Aunt Patty had already lovingly gone through Grandma’s belongings and began to unveil box after box of photographs for us to sort through. The tears and laughter flowed freely for several hours while the cousins and second cousins splashed in the pool and played billiards nearby. At one point I leaned back from the coffee table and soaked it all in – the surprise of laughter in the midst of grief.

My grandmother was known around her small town for her hats. Having grown up on the farm and being a tad disobedient to her mother who consistently told her to put on a hat while working the fields, she fought skin cancer at a later age. Older and wiser now, every time she walked out the door, she had a hat on to protect her fair skin from further sun damage. And she became known for it! The next day, as Grandma’s family filed into the small church to honor her, each Slattery woman – young and old – was wearing one of her hats. Pew after pew represented Grandma’s quiet influence with a hat. Tangible evidence of one woman’s impact – even the priest made mention of it during the service. The surprise of being known.

Aunt Patty made sure that every family member had something to take home in memory of Grandma. A doily…a chair…a cup…even silverware all found new homes in ours, scattered throughout the country. One of the treasures given to me from Grandma was her sewing box. After returning home, I sat down and spent an entire hour going through the things that she stashed away in that little heart-shaped box. Among them were the typical things you would expect to find in any midwestern farm girl’s sewing kit; safety pins, needles, thread, buttons, thimbles, and a tape measure. However, there were also several things that were unexpected; an alteration receipt, multiple charms and prayer cards, an embroidered hanky, stamps, a penny, and a glow-in-the-dark rosary! For me the most precious find was at the very bottom of the box. After sifting through layers of items, I found an old charm bracelet. It had just one charm on it; a baby girl silhouette with my name engraved on one side and birthdate on the other. It took my breath away. That little charm bracelet has been tucked away in her sewing box for an unknown number of years and it made me feel incredibly loved. Loved by Grandma and loved by the Lord. That sewing box could have gone to any number of family members, but somehow it traveled all the way back to Colorado with me, just waiting for me to discover the surprise at the bottom. The surprise reminder that I am treasured.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23

As we enter the holiday season with all the hustle and bustle, I am making a point to pause, lean back, and soak in the moment. Looking for the gift in the surprise that the Lord has for me right then. Will you join me?

Surprises can be happy or sad; embraced or unwelcomed. Surprises come without warning and spark a spontaneous reaction. Whatever is deep within our hearts comes racing to the surface in response to a surprise. My prayer is that we all understand the depth of love that our Father has for us. So much so, that the unexpected moments of life bring a rush of love from our own hearts when things – people – situations – surprise us. No matter how it all unfolds, may we always know our Father’s loving voice that whispers….

You are adored.