Stories

I Believe In You

A s is our custom, Kathy and I spend an occasion to share a cup of coffee to discuss our children.

Amie is spending the day with her boyfriend. It is his birthday. Jenny is home from college for the weekend. One more final and she will be home for the holidays. Mary has been sick with a stomach virus. Kyle texted a picture of Susan by their Christmas tree. She stands in profile and we see how her tummy is rounding as their baby grows awaiting his February debut.

Kyle becomes the focus as we continue to talk. He is a salesperson for a national company. He works hard and does well. He has done a number of things over his adult life. As a college student, he worked retail. He served a few summers as a youth minister. Soon after he and Susan were married, they taught English to children for more than two years in China.

With each task he has taken, he achieves a level of success. He takes each opportunity and goes as far as he wants. He has never demonstrated a passion for something until he picked up a camera. He has a natural eye and strives to master the technical craft necessary for a professional photographer.

Kyle hopes that he and Susan can grow a business of shooting portraits and weddings. They spend afternoons and weekends gaining experience and growing a dynamic portfolio.

The phone call comes midweek. Kyle and I usually catch up while either of us are traveling. Kyle is between appointments and takes the time while he is driving to ring.

“Susan and I have a wedding to photograph this weekend,” he tells me after asking how Kathy and his sisters are doing. “I’m renting some equipment. The lighting in the church is a challenge.”

I listen as he describes the complexities. I ask if he has plenty of time to test exposures. He says he does. He goes over each step and describes how he has walked through each possible pitfall.

“It sounds like you have thought of everything,” I say. “You can do this. You know what you are doing. I believe in you.”

Each word is backed by confidence in my child. I speak with a conviction that only a parent can wield.

“I love you,” I say before hanging up.

“Love you,” Kyle says in response. “I’ll call and let you know how it goes.”

It is said that the three most important words spoken are “I love you” – it doesn’t matter the language. These eight letters pack a powerful punch. They are life transforming.

“I love you” fills the sails to venture into unknown waters.

“I love you” emboldens hearts to scale heights thought out of reach.

“I love you” bridges chasms created by hurt and misunderstanding.

Just as “I love you” packs the biggest punch, the second most powerful words spoken are “I believe in you.” These thirteen letters combined with “I love you” fuel a world of possibilities.

There are many things we can give our children. But the knowledge that we will always be in their corner cheering can steady weakened knees and calm stomachs full of fluttering butterflies. “I believe in you” can be the impetus for our loved ones to stand tall and to walk forward.

The gift of unconditional love wrapped in our steadfast belief affords a child the ability to face a world of uncertainties. The support we offer by this conviction brings dreams into focus.

It is common to hear “I love you” in our home. And just as intentionally spoken are the words “I believe in you.” They are not only offered by Kathy and me; our children give their encouragement to each other and to their parents.

When there is someone who believes in the person we hope to become, the possibilities are boundless.

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