Grandchildren (3)

Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Yesterday, I wrote that my new grandson has taught me much about God and humankind. Being able to watch a two and half year old through a grandfather's eyes enables one to see the truths of faith much clearer.

Those of you with grandchildren will know what I mean when I say that the antics of a such a child are charming and adorable, even when mom and dad feel otherwise. My grandson never walks – he is always in a cross between a trot and a run – as he moves from experience to experience, enjoying whatever happens to be in his path, be it a new object or a grandmother's smile and hug. He expects me to "shave" him when he sees me shaving. He doesn't see or understand the reason for the handrail on the stairs. I could go on and on. It is this carefree attitude that I find delightful and something to be cherished.

We adults on the other hand become circumspect and deliberate at some point as carefreeness gives way to caution and carefulness. It is, of course, prudent to be circumspect in this world we live in, but I can't help imagine, as I watch my grandchild, how wonderful it would be if we could recapture some of that exuberant carefreeness, knowing that God will strengthen us and help us and uphold us with a victorious right hand.

Prayer: O God, we thank You that you give us Your gift of strength and Your supporting hands. We ask that we be freed from the those things that cause us to lose our carefree delight in You and in the sacredness of Your creation. Amen.