BACKWARD TO FORWARD DAY! "Taking A Walk Backward To Move Forward"

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.