Dear Reader:

Putting a generation between you and your grandchildren produces miraculous changes in one’s perception of the precious moments of childhood… lost on parents living in the “Hurry Up, We have to go” stage of life.

When I think back on my own parenting skills (or lack of) it is all a blur today. I remember feeling like I was playing a dot-to-dot game on a daily, constant routine.I felt sure that if I missed one connection everything would untangle and blow up in my face. Life became a “check-off” list of daily survival things to do.

I still have some Mother’s Day cards and other mementos made at school by the children that help me remember that there were moments when I knew that these were the best of times, at the time it was happening, but, unfortunately, life, like a river, swept us all along…faster than I ever dreamed. “Row, Row, Row your boat…Life is but a dream.”

The one thing I am most proud of and see in all my grandchildren is their love of imagination. They would all rather dress up and play “pretend” than anything else in their world. Eva Cate writes whole scripts in her mind…playing several different roles and changing her voice to accompany each invisible character in her “pretend” games. Rutledge goes right into character depending on what outfit he has on….Spiderman, Captain America, or police chief. He always wants to be the hero no matter which character.

Jake and Lachlan are studies in imitations of their older siblings…whatever they are doing, they want to do it too. Thank goodness Eva Cate and Rutledge mentor imaginary worlds to perfection for their little brothers.

Yesterday you might remember I shared one of Debbie Macomber’s daily devotions with you and there is one more sample given from the book (that I ordered) that I would like to share.

“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:23) 

My husband Wayne and I were blessed with four children in a five-year span. By the time Dale, our youngest, was born, I hadn’t slept through the night in three long years. The house was in constant chaos, and in those pre–disposable diaper days, the washing machine was going day and night. My hands were more than full with the demands of our growing family.

Thankfully, I was blessed with wonderful parents who visited us often. Soon after Dale’s arrival, my mother came to help. Early one morning, when our newborn woke for his feeding, his older sisters and brother came looking for attention. Jody sat on one knee and Jenny on the other, and Ted shared space with his infant brother on my lap. All too soon, the older three started squabbling and whining.

My mother woke up and joined us in the living room. “Oh, Debbie,” she said with a smile, “these are the happiest days of your life.” Aghast, I looked at her and said, “Mom, you mean it gets worse?” Now, in retrospect, I can see how very blessed I was. Mom had the perspective to see it then; thank God, I can see it now.”

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So until tomorrow: Lord, give all parents the patience, the prayer and the sense of humor they need to raise their children in Your grace. 

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

*Gin-g shared her word with us for this upcoming new year (2017)…FAITH. If any of you know Gin-g…you know she lives this word every single day…but like she mentioned in her comment…she wants her faith to expand even larger to welcome new understandings of God’s love for all His children. Thanks for sharing Gin-g!

*Cindy Ashley said her perfect word for 2017 is EAGERNESS….to set new goals, explore new possibilities, travel, and simply be ready, be eager to continue a lifetime of learning.

*Ambika said her perfect word is TRUST….simply putting her trust in God. And that you do Ambika!

*Sue Anne Strickland also chose FAITH…she said she would be lost without it. (Again another strong woman of faith herself)

*Guess what? I found my perfect word or God found it for me and it is part of tomorrow’s blog…so I will reveal it then.