Tuesday, February 26, 2013

You have GOT to be kidding me...

("My mom feeds me REALLY well...look at that belly!")
I had decided months ago I was going to love my grand baby. No matter what, I would love her and help her the rest of my days.I had made up my mind, and determination would get me through all the difficulties. Little did I know, and totally unprepared I was, for the insane amount of adoration I would feel when I first met her! I just look at her face, and say "You have GOT to be kidding me..." I never could have imagined loving this little person the way I do now. When I look at her, all my irritations fall by the wayside and I just smile. Every single time. My stresses from work and living, frustrations with Spencer, worry for Jasmine, concern about Jordan's future plans...they just literally become nothing when I think about what God did for our family, in spite of all our mistakes. It just dumbfounds me.

I have been blowing up facebook with pictures and status updates, but for those who only read this- God gave us a beautiful little granddaughter last week! See- I'm not biased at all :

Who wouldn't fall in love with this face?

When I think about the insanity of the last year, I keep looking for rest and a "do-over". But as I hold this "darling precious", I can't stop thinking about Jesus. About the way He loves us in spite of us, and the way He makes everything work out so perfectly. Whether we find the answers here, or in eternity...there is nothing I need to fear or be anxious over. The one thing I can do for certain, every time, is praise Him for His grace. The best thing I can do for the people around me is keep my priorities- Love them and encourage them to live a life that seeks to honor Him.
Looking at this new little family, I want to worry and stress about all the things I want for them and can't be sure will happen. I want love and understanding. Compassion and forgiveness for each other, and more than anything- I want their family to be rooted in Christ. And I can't guarantee any of it or do a thing to help it happen. It's their choice and God's design for them.
And then an old hymn comes to my mind...and the worry isn't so overwhelming.
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace."

How much I adore this little girl doesn't matter in light of His glory. (As wonderfully fun as it is!)
How much I care about my husband and children doesn't matter in light of His grace.
At the end of the day,
I can turn my eyes to Jesus...and it makes me smile too.

(Uncle Jo Jo is smitten! She is so precious to him too.)

" The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." Isaiah 60:19

(Here's a link so you can hear a little taste of what this hymn sounds like if you care to indulge.)