Children's Author Susan E. Crites

Hello Tommy Nelson friends,



Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and I was thrilled when Tommy Nelson asked if I’d write a guest blog. While I believe every day is an opportunity to show how much you care for those you love, Valentine’s Day is a good reminder.



I’m a firm believer in sharing those three magical words, “I love you,” especially with kids of all ages. It gives them comfort, confidence and hope, especially when they’re going through a hard time. Knowing someone thinks they’re special can truly make a difference in someone’s life.



These days we seem to function on a pace dictated by the clock and where we have to be at a certain time while fitting in life’s chores somehow. A lot of families need two incomes to pay the bills, which adds to the pace, and sometimes life’s little joys get overlooked simply because of the pace we keep. One of those joys is simply curling up with a good book and sharing some quality time with your kids, especially at bedtime. When the lights go out, their room can seem awfully lonely, but when they have the reminder of how much they’re loved, a comfort blankets them as they drift off to sleep.

Young readers at a school in Northern Virginia

My book, I Love You More Than Rainbows, is all about expressing the love an adult has for the little ones in their life. Using every day joys a child experiences makes an abstract concept one they can wrap their minds around. To tell them “I love you more than birthday cake, balloons and presents too,” is something they can grasp. When it hits home that “I LOVE my birthday, and I’m loved more than that?” my mission has been accomplished. They understand that the things they love most don’t compare to the love someone has for them and it’s something you can’t put a price on. My book also goes from day to night and through all four seasons, reminding the listener that no matter what time of day it is or what day of the year it is, they’re always loved. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give a child you love.



I love you can come across in a million little ways. A simple hug when it’s not expected, a little note snuck in a spot that only the recipient will see that says something simple but special, or being there when it’s been a hard day. It can be our tone of voice despite our frustration with life at the moment. It can be lending a hand even though you’re busy or comfy on the couch. It can be simply listening about someone’s day or the great idea they have, including their dreams.



Actions speak louder than words the old saying goes and how true it is. How we treat those we love most will long be remembered over things like the dishes weren’t done or the beds weren’t made. I encourage you to turn off life’s distractions and interruptions and focus on some quality time with your kids. It makes a huge impression on them and I’m always amazed at how my nieces and nephews (who are all in high school and college) remember the tiniest details of time spent together whether recent or in the past, and it reminds me I need to do it more often. The benefit of making time to share life’s simple pleasures far outweighs the time and effort we think it will take. I think you’ll find when you give your time you’ll receive far more than you gave. Life is too short to miss the opportunities to share your love with those who mean the most to you. Don’t let them pass by.



Love generously, praise loudly, live fully! ~ Elias Porter

You can keep up with Sue on her Facebook page, and can find her book, I Love You More Than Rainbows, here.