One name. That’s all it took to send toddler Sadie into a joyful romp. She squealed from the next room and then trotted over once she heard that name, hoping for a little face time on FaceTime.
What name generated all this excitement and anticipation? “Di-Di,” the moniker our little grandkids have affectionately chosen for my wife, Diana. Guess that’s a lot easier for them to pronounce. So Di-Di it is.
Once, when Sadie’s brother Caleb was just learning to talk, we went to McDonald’s and enjoyed a visit to the play area after lunch. Caleb made a grand show of climbing up and through the labyrinth of plastic tunnels, then skittering down the slides—over and over again. Zooming right by me, he flashed a silly grin as he repeatedly giggled, “Di-Di.” Mind you, he was looking straight at me, not my wife (who was enjoying some peace and quiet back at our booth). Yup, her name is apparently that wonderful to those kids.
I, too, have always loved my wife’s name. From the day I met her, the name has been magical. I love to say it, to hear it (and I’ve been known to call her Di-Di myself, or Lady Di).
Charming thoughts, this fascination with a name. But indulge me just a moment further as I ask pointedly, do we ever feel that kind of excitement when we hear the name of Jesus? How often do we break out in a smile at the thought of Him? When we approach our prayer time, do we squeal with delight that Jesus Himself is interceding for us to His Father? Do we drop what we are doing just to be with Him?
I’m just asking here, kinda “thinking out loud.” Couldn’t there—shouldn’t there—be regular moments when we are overwhelmed at the mere mention of His name?
Do we love the name of Jesus…or merely like it? Big difference between the two. And despite what you or I might say or do in public to impress others with how much we love Jesus, He knows the truth. He knows exactly how we feel about His name.
So…do you love the name of Jesus?