Posted by I’m trying to learn to not expect hugs from my grandchildren. And it’s hard. Because I really, really love their hugs. But not all of them are hug-givers and I have decided I don’t want obligatory, half-hearted affection. I treasure the unprompted, freely given, big “koala-bear hugs”. And I get some of them!
But other grands, when asked or prompted, smile and lean forward a bit so I can hug them, or they offer a quick side hug. And it’s probably not that they love me any less than the big huggers. It’s probably just that affection isn’t their love language. At least that’s what I tell myself.
I love being “Mimi” to our eleven grandchildren. The youngest is expected to be born in a few weeks! The other grands range in age from two to ten, and they are each so unique and precious. I love them all so much, even when they run right past me to find their Papaw. He’s clearly the fun one. I can’t argue with that. And I try (really hard) not to be jealous.
But through it all I’m learning lessons of connection, and they point me to God. When one of our grands wants to read me a story she’s writing or a dance she’s learning, I’m delighted. When another asks if I want to hear the Bible verses she’s memorized, I cheer. When a little one brings me a picture they colored just for me, I’m blessed. When a non-hugger climbs up in my lap to watch a movie with me, I revel in the closeness, sharp elbows and all.
I treasure the times they choose to connect with me. And it makes me think of our Abba Father. He is holy and perfect and loves us beyond what we can comprehend. If I, imperfect human that I am, cherish the time and love these little ones give me, it reassures me that our Heavenly Father values the time and love I freely offer Him even more.
These thoughts move me to sit at my Abba’s feet. They caution me to be careful about rote prayers and to speak only what is true and from my soul. And I pray to understand His heart more clearly, and to know Him more completely, and to enjoy His presence more deeply. I thank Him for His creation and for His blessings and for all the things I know about Him. I ask Him to help me walk in more closely with Him.
I talk to Him about the Bible verses I’m studying. I ask Him questions and sometimes sense a prompting in reply. And I ponder, when I write an encouraging note to a friend or am moved to send money or help someone, if God receives that as a blessing to Himself (whatever we do for the least we do for Him) and if He smiles and takes joy in it, as I do when a grand offers me even a crayon scribble on paper.
I often thank our Father for the blessing and privilege of prayer. And I’m in awe that He wants us to pray continually. He wants to hear about our struggles and concerns and joys. He wants to hear the stories we are writing and takes joy in the new dances we are learning. The creator of the universe cares deeply about each of our small worlds.
I thank Him for loving us so much that He sent Jesus to die for our sins, so that it is possible, for all who believe in Him, to be filled with His Spirit and have fellowship with Him now and for eternity!
And He invites each of us to find comfort and safety in the shelter of His wings. He holds us close in His love, and cherishes each one of us. Sharp elbows and all.
God's Grace and Life's Challenges 