Jesus Likes Us

I've been working 25+ hours a week in addition to homeschooling two children, so unfortunately I've had less time to listen to the Lord and share the thoughts He gives me. But this morning I awoke very early with issues to deal with, and the Lord gave me some encouragement, which I would like to share:
I have a tendency to assume that people don't like me, though that is rarely the truth. I could tie my heart in knots trying to test that hypothesis, but really the only opinion of me that matters is the Lord's, because He's God and He only thinks truth. I know that Jesus loves us unconditionally and sacrificially, but I wanted to know if He likes me, so I asked Him. He assured me that He does like me. Then I wanted Him to let me know why He likes me. His answer: because you are mine; also because a relationship with each and every person is the main thing I've ever wanted.
I then asked Him if He likes me even though I'm not mature yet. He told me that He thoroughly enjoys walking with me as He matures me. He reminded me of Psalm 149:4, which says, "The Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation." He likes to see us grow as He makes our souls more beautiful.
I would really like to parent the way our heavenly Father does. If my daughter had a fleshly moment, how wonderful it would be to just celebrate that it's part of the growing process and that the Lord will be faithful to complete the work He's begun in her. The Lord still delights in us even when we're not following Him or even paying attention to Him. I would love to be that way with my children!
One more thought: there is glory in where we're at right now. Christ lives in all of His people and that makes us all amazing, even if we are newborn believers or if we wake up at 5 a.m. on a Sunday with issues bugging us (Gal. 2:20, 2 Cor. 3:18 GLORY to glory). It just gets better tomorrow, the day after, and here on out till we see Jesus and become fully like Him.