"Hereby perceive we the love of God,
because he laid down His life for us."
- I John 3:16a

We've been doing it for about six months now.

About half a year ago, my wife was reading in one of those "Chicken Soup" books when she came upon a story about an elderly couple who had an interesting way of showing their love for each other.  This couple strategically placed the initials SHMILY all about their house, at different times, in different places, in different ways.

The initials SHMILY stood for "See How Much I Love You."

We thought it was a neat idea, so we begin doing it ourselves.  When preparing my wife some hot dogs one evening, I wrote SHMILY with the mustard on the top of the food.  She wrote SHMILY on a note and placed it on my pillow.  A few days later I wrote SHMILY on the wall of our shower with red toothpaste so she would see it emblazoned when she pulled back the shower curtain.

During the past six months we have found many different ways to share the message of SHMILY and to show our love for each other.  Sometimes these ways are almost anticipated by the other person, at other times they come very unexpectedly.  Always they are given out of love.

You know, as I thought about SHMILY tonight, I realized that the Lord Jesus writes those initials for you and I as believers to read.  Likewise, He does it in many different ways...

Sometimes, if you just look at creation - a beautiful sunset or a crystal clear lake - you can just almost see those initials hidden there in the clouds or the water.  When there are storms brewing - troubling times and difficulties - and you feel that peace inside, that's another way that Jesus whispers SHMILY to your heart.  When you open the Bible, it's on every page.  When you arrive safely home at night and have food, clothing, shelter and transportation, when you receive anything good at all in your life, that's Jesus saying to you, SHMILY.

Of course, if you take a fresh look at Calvary, if you just take a close look at what happened on the Cross there on that hill, I think you'll see most of all how Jesus says to you, "See How Much I Love You."

Jesus has many different ways that He shares the message of SHMILY and shows His love for us. Sometimes these ways are almost anticipated by us, at other times they come very unexpectedly.  Always they are given out of love.

Christian, look around you today - look around you today and look for His message.  Look past the circumstances and difficulties and find that grace and mercy.  Look at the blessings and the gifts and see those words.  Take the time to read the Word and spend time in prayer with the Lord Jesus today and I'm sure something sweet and wonderful will fill your heart as you hear Him say to YOU...

...SHMILY.

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown
\o/ Praise Jesus!