Deuteronomy 6:5-7 – And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (KJV)

Those who are old hands at grand parenting will well identify with the awe afforded those of us who are relatively new at the game.

Without the responsibilities and commitments that come with having one's own children, we are given these precious little gifts that afford us a second chance to really see God's work in action.

Since birth, our granddaughter has been spoken to in two languages, in both of which she is now beginning to speak some words. At six months, she quickly caught on to Sign Language, and has been able to communicate her basic desires, alleviating a lot of the frustration of trying to convey what is wanted, and wondering what it is they want.

How absorbent are their minds! Soaking up every spoken word and action around them, they make us laugh as they mimic and mime. As she watches everything we do, and tries desperately to copy me, she is also reminding me not only that I must be careful of what I say and do, but also that I am given the opportunity and responsibility to lead her in learning of God's love.

I'm finding that the ways we teach are many and strange, for, as I bow my head in prayer for grace at the dinner table, my daughter tells my granddaughter that Nana is talking to God. As I finish and look up, it is evident that she thinks I've been playing peek-a-boo — but it's a start.

God gives us unique and wonderful opportunities to let people learn about Him through us. Sometimes they are straightforward; sometimes creative, often with a sense of humour; and always with love. It is up to us to take up the challenge whichever way He chooses to offer it.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the many beautiful and interesting ways You put forth to us to lead others to You. In Your name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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