Stay Close to His Love

Readings 050726 

When I’m blessed to share the elementary school service, I keep it simple:
Jesus loves you.

This morning I told the children a story about a little bird named Pip.

Pip loved the sound of his mother’s song.
Every morning she would tell him,
“Stay close. Stay where you can hear me.”
And Pip would promise he would.

But one day he chased a bright, beautiful butterfly,
and before he knew it,
he couldn’t hear the song anymore.
He felt lost.
He felt small.

Then—from far away—he heard it again.
That soft, steady song calling him home:
“You are loved.
You are mine.
Come back.”

And that’s when I reminded the children—
Jesus tells us something just like that.

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.”

His love is our home.
His love is our safe place.
And when we choose kindness, forgiveness, truth, and prayer,
we come close again—
like Pip hearing the song.

That is Jesus’ truth for all of us.

So as we step into the days ahead,
carry this deep in your heart:
Jesus loves you.

His love is steady.
His love is strong.
His love is forever.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
hold me close to the song of Your love.
When I wander, call me gently home.
Teach my heart to choose kindness and truth.
Let Your joy fill every corner of my life.
Keep me always in the shelter of Your love.
Amen.