Two of our grandchildren, Jude and
Abbott, have been staying with us for a couple of days because their mommy and
brother have been sick; trying our best to prevent further sickness in the
family. We have thoroughly enjoyed them
being here. I've learned to always expect God to speak in the details. Today, He did it again. It's a "backward to forward" day; meaning God uses my past to better my future.
This morning PawPaw was about to leave
to take Jude to school. We all said our “goodbyes”
and “I love yous” before they got in the car.
As they were backing out of the garage I said another “I love you” and
watched until the garage door blocked my view of that precious cargo. I just remembered that is what Molly does
every day she is here to see PawPaw off to work; she stands at the garage door
saying, “I love you, PawPaw! Have a good
day!” until the garage door folds all the way down and then she closes the door
to the house. But, before Jude left,
although he was here this morning at the house, he sent me this bible verse in
a text. 2 Corinthians 9:6 “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a
few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a
generous crop.” God has used Jude
to plant many seeds of God’s goodness, including a few in his Granna’s heart. I will be a “forward farmer”; look back on
God’s faithfulness and not on man’s disappointments to have a full life
feasting on His best.
About thirty minutes later Abbott got
up out of bed, ate breakfast, brushed her teeth and got ready for
Pre-school. Her ride would be arriving
soon. While brushing her hair I realized
she had gotten taller and I now needed to stand to put her hair up instead of
sitting in my chair with her standing between my knees as we had always done
before. Seeing she has grown so fast, I now
intentionally go slower in brushing her hair. Her ride
arrives. She puts on her rain jacket,
slips on her backpack, we say our “goodbyes” and I love yous” and she heads out
the door to our friend’s van. As she is
walking down the driveway, she turns that sweet head of hers, looks back at me
and says again, “I love you, Granna!” Oh
my heart… “I love you too, my darlin’!
Have a great day!” I watch out
the door until the van is out of sight.
Abbott has always been so full of love and gives it fully! I will have “forward love”! “Forward love” is really unconditional love
as Christ loves us. No conditions. If we have the mind of Christ we will do the
same; move forward in love.
Though they are both now at school, those
moments of love are now beautiful snapshots in my mind. Those brief, beautiful moments are now
lasting memories. Today has become a “backward
to forward” day! I’m looking back on what just happened and
determined to move forward a little
slower and with detailed purpose. This
has me seeking God’s message for me in all
my grandchildren.
So, I now reflect on my other four grandchildren;
Briley FAITH, Reid, Molly and Parker.
Briley FAITH, I could say is our angel
in heaven, which she is. But, more than
that, she is change here on earth. God
used her 61 days and continues to use her here to impact the world. How?
God’s plan all started because her parents gave Him what was already
His; not only Briley’s life, but theirs also.
Our last “goodbye” was not really the last and the “I love you” was the
first of forever. Through God using Briley FAITH I've learned to have life I must
give it, to have freedom I must be captive, to live I must die to self; sweet
surrender. Moving forward, I’m all Yours, LORD.
My grandson, Reid, is also known as “little
preacher man”. Even though he can’t read
yet, he definitely has an understanding of God’s love and boldly proclaims it! When he opens his Bible and begins to speak
what he feels is the message to bring, God’s Word comes alive! It’s not just something Reid does for fun or
to get attention, he is serious and so is God.
My “backward” with him always brings me “forward” in God’s Word and how
I need to get more serious in Who God is; come to Him as a child. Get to know Him more intimately and share Him
more boldly.
Molly Jane, is such a “take charge”, “I
can and will do it” leader. She loves to
help, to serve; such joy sparkles in her eyes when the task has been completed
and she expects nothing in return. Oh
how I can learn from Molly Jane! She
doesn’t understand yet that her serving others is fulfilling and will continue to fulfill
God’s plan bringing light to a dark, hurting world. As I look back, her servant’s heart has
changed mine. In moving forward I will intentionally
be ready and willing to serve, even if in the moment; ready at all times.
Parker is my funny cuddle bunny! At only almost six months old she is also being used by God.
She loves to laugh, smile and is pretty much a constant “happy”! Looking back at times with her reminds me of
this bible verse. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
In ALL things give thanks; be HAPPY.
Although reflections of Parker only go back so far, God still uses this
precious baby grand-girl of mine. I’ve
learned if I just shake my head and laugh/smile through the little trials of life
I will find more “happy”! In ALL things
forward I know when I give it to God I will find more joy if I smile my way to “happy”!
Thank you
my little grands for teaching your Granna to plant goodness, love freely, surrender
completely, know God more intimately and share His truth boldly, always be
ready to serve and to live life to the fullest by being thankful in all things;
a happy life.
It has
been a beautiful “backward to forward” day and it’s not even lunchtime yet! I am smiling.
Who is
God speaking through today to help you move forward in life by using moments
gone by? Don’t miss His message in this
busy life we live. Time passes by so
quickly giving us more the reason to live slowly.
