Our grandchildren were over last weekend.
They have been a wonderful example of how to love.
Both our granddaughter and grandson love their baby sister.
Now that she is sitting up and crawling they are rejoicing in the opportunities to spend time with her.
They give her toys.
They talk to her.
They hug her and kiss her often.
(Which is what Faye is doing in the photo above.)
While we were watching the children, Joy took a nap.
I was blessed by each of her siblings reactions to her waking up.
I was holding her, when her sweet eyes opened, she blinked, smiled, and sat up.
Faye noticed first.
“She’s awake!” She squealed, dropped her toy, jumped up and ran over to grab Joy’s hand and plant a kiss on her head.
“Awake! Awake!” Little brother sang as he too jumped to his feet to come smiling over and at look baby sister like she was a brand new gift he couldn’t get enough of.
The exuberance quickly abated, as littles don’t have a long attention span, but their celebration over their sister brought me nearly to tears.
Our children are wonderful examples of how a family should love each other.
They dropped what they were doing to welcome their sister, although she’d only been “gone” sleeping for a couple hours.
They were nearly excessive in their showering of affection, but Joy loved it.
Their joy and excitement over this beautiful new life is inspiring.
And their priority of making a point of welcoming and loving their sister is a reminder to me to be mindful of my own behavior.
Do I welcome my family to our home as warmly as I do visitors?
Am I putting my children, my husband, and others before my own tasks?
Have I been thoughtful about expressing my joy and love to those precious to me?
Has my appreciation for the gift of each life become dulled by my familiarity and self centered perspective?
Do I look on people and really appreciate how precious God views each?
I’m so thankful for our grandchildren and the inspiration God has brought through their example.
Matthew 18:4 KJV — Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:5 KJV — And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for children! What an incredible blessing they are. Please continue to hone my heart and help me to apply these lessons You are teaching me. Lord, I want to come to You as a child, with trust and humility. Lord, please restore my child-like love, while retaining the wisdom of adulthood. Lord, I know You have an incredible love for children and I want to love as You do. You loved mankind to such an incredible point that You sacrificed Yourself for us! Wow. I want to love like that. Please help me to understand Your Word, and obey the direction of Your Holy Spirit. Please continue to protect the innocent and supply the helpless. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 