Holding Grandpa’s hand

“Fathers, don’t irritate your children and make them resentful; instead, raise them with the Lord’s kind of discipline and guidance.”        Ephesians 6:4 CJB

The snow measured about midway up his thigh, as our grandson Jack stood by the back door. He wanted to play, but he could barely move because of his short legs and  bulky snowsuit.

Grandpa looked out the door and smiled before going to the closet to retrieve his coat, gloves and boots. Once he was ready, he stepped out the door and began to shovel a path so Jack could go out into the yard to make a snowman.Then he bent to help the small boy roll the large body and head pieces.

For the next hour, the two frolicked in the fluffy white snow as the little boy and grown man created Jack’s first snowman. Grandpa patiently taught him how to shape each piece and put it together. Though the coal eyes and carrot nose were a little lopsided, Grandpa affirmed it was the best snowman ever as the two trooped into the warm kitchen for hot chocolate.

Did you ever stop to think how much it pleases God to be involved in your life? He doesn’t just let you alone during the growth process, waiting until you’re mature and perfect before He looks at you and says, “It is good.”

Because He loves you, He shows you his ways, exulting in each effort and accomplishment.  You are the work of His hands, the very beat of His heart.

Father, thank You for investing so much time and energy in our growth. Help us to put our hands in yours and learn from your patience and love. Amen

******

**I originally wrote this devotional for my writing friend Delia’s  Musical Notes e-newsletter in January 2007.  Delia Latham is the author of the Solomon’s Gates series of Christian romance  novels with an angelic twist.

 

Read Full Post »

Happy Father’s Day!

“Make your father truly happy by living right and showing sound judgment.”        Proverbs 23:24 CEV

“What’s on the other side of heaven? Is there another heaven and another heaven?”

“I don’t know, Sam.” I ‘ve always loved those probing five-year-old questions, even though they really don’t have answers from our vantage point on earth. “We won’t know that until we get to heaven.”

“I’ll have to go in my spirit and check it out,” he replied. Then he happily changed the subject and started reciting the Bible verses he had learned recently, complete with hand motions.

One of the best things about being a grandparent is spending time with the little ones – watching them grow up and just sharing conversation or hugs with them. They ask deep questions one moment and then run off to play the next. Sometimes they just run to you and offer hugs or a sweet smile.

But what really brings satisfaction is knowing that their parents have  grown into loving, caring people who are committed to raising their children well – in spite of the parenting mistakes my generation made.

For all the fathers and grandfathers out there, it’s my prayer as we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, that you may find joy in watching your children and grandchildren grow into responsible, Christian adults, passing the message of Christ to the next generation! Amen.

Read Full Post »