THE GRANDDAUGHTER AFFECT

 

It is my granddaughter's 7^th birthday. Life will never be the same.

We had two boys of our own and a foster son. My mom had all boys. It seems the boy thing had gotten out of hand until Lucia was born. We were hoping for a girl. It turns out she is a girly girl, a princess. She loves dressing up, wearing fancy shoes, and dressing up her dolls. Her father plays in a Latin music band, so she knows how to move (cute now but later?). And she can sing!

I was always afraid to be the father of a girl. I wasn’t sure I could raise one very well, but life has a way of giving us lessons and would have provided a necessary lesson if needed.

She doesn’t necessarily cooperate. Rarely laughs at my jokes. She hears the punch line, then slaps her open palm to her head and declares, “Oh, Grandpa!” The rest of the family also has low opinions of my jokes. Where did I go wrong?

Her entry into our lives has truly been a blessing. In many ways, I have become her student. She has helped me loosen up and have fun, even at silly things. She helps me see beauty in simple things, like butterflies and flowers.

Jesus had a lot to say about children. He said we should follow their example. I know Jesus liked children. How many people, who are not fun, attract children? NONE. Jesus must have been a fun guy to have those kids flocking around them.

2 He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:2-4, NIV.

He doesn’t want us to be childish, but childlike.

What have you learned from your kids, grandkids? I encourage you to hit “reply” below and add to the discussion. Thanks for listening.

(c) 2022, Wally Johnston

Remember, there are only two kinds of people in this world, those who like Dr. Pepper and those who don’t.”