Specifically I was remembering today when Jill's first grandchild was born. Jill was absolutely head over heels in love with Hannah. She was the stereotypical grandma sharing photos and stories galore. At the time of Hannah's birth I still had 4 children at home, two who were still in elementary school so I was still in the full on mommy mode. I indulged Jill and oohed and ahhhed at all the pictures. She was a cute and adorable baby but inwardly I was like, "Okay already Jill, I get it. Being a grandma is cool. Chill. " But... Because I loved Jill, I loved her sweet Hannah and was thrilled for Jill's new role.
Speed ahead 20+ years and guess what. I'm a grandma! I have 7 grandchildren spanning the ages from 10 to 1. Oh my gosh, I'm worse than Jill ever was in the "bragging about your grandkids" department. How I wish Jill was still here so I could say to her, "I get it Jill, I get it!"
God gives us many gifts in life. The greatest gift, of course, being the gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. Those who turn to Jesus are saved from their sins. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross taking all our sins upon himself and after 3 days he rose from the dead! He ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father and he WILL come again in glory at the end of time as we know it. When we respond to Jesus confessing our sins in faith and repentance we are cleansed of our sins and now belong to the family of God spending all eternity with Him!
WHAT A GIFT! Eternal life! Just that would be enough right? But God pours all sorts of gifts over us and I'm convinced one of the sweetest is grandchildren. Yes, all you young people, grandchildren. 😍
In the autumn of life God gives us these sweet children to love and they love so sweetly in return. My greatest joys these days are playing with my grandkids, reading stories to them, watching them grow and change. I get to do all the fun stuff and then give them back to their parents! Great deal, right???
Jill knew what I know now. I wish I could tell her, "I get it Jill, I get It." But I have a feeling she knows and is happy for me as I was for her.
Thank you God for the incredible gift of salvation. Your love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion is overwhelming and I also thank you for the gift of grandchildren. I learn so much from them, Lord, and my heart is full of joy each second I spend with them. Help me to be a godly example to them. Help them to see Christ living in me. Amen.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)
Psalm 78:4... We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders he has done. (NIV)
