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Mark 10:14b – Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. (NKJV)
My heart adopted two-year-old Buddy, a little boy who needed someone to lend stability to his life. His mother, an acquaintance, allowed us to spend our days together. When making valentines at five years of age, he told me that he didn't have a heart to feel with. I knew that it had been broken and that he was sad because of a hard life. At age six, Buddy and his mother moved a long distance away, but he and I talked on the phone, and I sent presents on his birthday and at Christmas. Now, Buddy is eleven years old, and I was about to see him again as his family joined my family for a reunion at the park.
With great anticipation, I stood by the picnic table waiting for each family's arrival. I hadn't seen any of the six great-grandchildren for over two years because of COVID-19 restrictions, and we were very excited to see each other. My husband spotted Buddy's family, who had arrived early, and waved them toward us.
Buddy's excited voice called, "Grammy, Grammy, my best Grammy, I love you!" as he raced down the hillside from the parking lot to the picnic area. Running with Buddy was two-and-a-half-year-old James, parroting his brother's words to the adults' amusement because we had never even met. Buddy ran into my open arms, and as James held onto my leg for dear life, I hugged them both. Whether genetic or acquired, I consider and treat each of my precious great-grandchildren as a gift of God.
After everybody had said their goodbyes, Buddy unexpectedly ran back down the hill. Out of breath, but smiling brightly, he pressed a muddy clump of dandelions into my hand and said, "I'm sorry they are muddy, Grammy, but this is all I could get." My voice choked with emotion, as I tenderly thanked and hugged him again.
Our time that afternoon revealed that Buddy had found his heart, and it was healing. His smiles, interactions with others, and displays of affection told me that his gift of dandelions meant more than a simple flower. I could see how Buddy's character, perseverance, strength, and adaptability was maturing because people sharing God's love with him were teaching the boy that he does indeed have a heart.
Always remember to receive graciously even a muddy clump of dandelions, because it represents much more than a dandelion. At that moment, it is the most precious thing that a child has to give.
Prayer: Dear Father, teach us to receive every child You send into our hearts with the same love that You accept Your own children. Help us to remember that when children give us a feather, a leaf, a flower, a rock, or even a stick, they give their heart to us as part of the gift. Amen.
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Thursday, January 23, 2025 – In Europe — Pray for the Jewish community to be encouraged and feel the love of their non-Jewish Christian friends. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open the hearts and minds of these secular Jews, and for God's leadership in my work.
daughter: "Update December 30, 2024: And please touch her heart that she may turn to YOU.* November 12, 2024:..." 
Thank you.
Thanks for the touching reminder, Karen.
Thanks, Karen for sharing your understanding today.
The most precious gift we can give and receive is time.
What a lovely story! We enjoyed it and it has a good message too.
Your devotional brought tears to my eyes. So beautiful. Thank you.
So beautiful! Thanks.
(B.C.)
Thank you, Karen, for sharing this touching devotional with us! Blessings.
Thank you for such a touching story and important reminder, Karen. God bless!
Karen, I will never see what my granddaughter gives me in the same way ever again.
What a beautiful story, Karen. Thanks for sharing it! Blessings to you and your family.
Such a beautiful story about Buddy. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.
Oh Karen, you have written with such heart and passion for loving others. It can’t help but rub off on us.
Thanks for sharing such a meaningful message of love and hope!
Thank you for your meaningful, beautiful devotional. It touched my heart more than you could ever imagine. God bless you.
(SC, U. S. A.)
Hi Karen,
Beautiful Devotion today! I’m so glad you were able to connect with him again!
Blessings on you and your writing.
Amen Karen. My friend says that one “cookie” lady in a child’s life can make the difference between that child’s life turning out positively or negatively. Your story has shown the power that “cookie” ladies really do wield.
Blessings.
That was so touching. Thanks for sharing. I’m trying to establish a relationship with a refugee single mom in our city who has a son and a daughter. The little boy needs this kind of attention and love. I’ve never had kids myself, so am struggling to relate to him. Your devotional gives me some hope.
Thank you for the special devotional today. It really touched my heart. I have some of those special gifts that my grandchildren, now in their thirties, gave to me years ago. They are truly treasures, even if they have long forgotten the occasion.
God bless you and give you a wonderful day.
Hello Karen
This was beautiful and so true. Meant more because I adopted a 4 and 5 yr. old brother and sister who are now in their late 40’s, where does time go? Yes, and when they have that little something, it means a lot when they give it.
God bless.
Karen,
I appreciated your words today. I’m reminded that very simple gestures and little expressions of love need to be received with reciprocal love. Also, I should give simple spontaneous gifts of just what I have to express love to others. It doesn’t have to be fancy. I love muddy dandelions!
What a precious story, Karen!! Over my 90+ years as a PK (Preacher’s Kid), Preacher/Chaplain’s wife, mother/grandmother/ great- and great-great-grandmother, I’ve had numerous experiences that have in time give us 2 very special families. We became Grandma and Grandma, and the Lord has been with us all these years.
Carry on in His service as he leads you.
Greetings Karen and many thanks for this very touching, heartfelt devotional today. As I have several great-grandchildren, I can relate so well with the joy of receiving the treasures from their little hands of drawings, colourings, or mini bouquets of leaves or weeds. Sweethearts in our lives for sure! It was a joy to read that Buddy’s life is now fulfilled with a warm heart. The Lord does wonderful things bringing great joy in our lives. Blessings for another of your very special writings.
Good morning, Karen,
What a wonderful story. My wife and I have been mostly shut in for the last couple of years, covid, major surgery for me, a sprained ankle for her. We have some grandchildren in town here. One showed up with his little boy yesterday morning, we had a really nice visit, and another called up to tell us that they are having a birthday party for his 2-year-old. Other family with small children will be there as well. They are all good friends, and they are good people, they made the hearts of two old people very happy.
Thank you for writing such inspiring devotionals.
Blessings on your Sunday.
Hello Karen,
A beautiful message from a kind and caring person. Thank you. I have tears in my eyes starting when Buddy said he didn’t have a heart. Can you imagine a five-year-old thinking that? I am glad six years later, he had found his heart and he had a wonderful brother to join him in his life. It was so special that Buddy wanted to give you something before he left. You are blessed to have six great grandchildren. I have one granddaughter so far and feel blessed because she is still a big part of our lives.
Thank you for your great message of how important loving people are in our lives. As God loves us, we can love others. May you have a wonderful day and be able to see your great grandchildren often.
Thanks Karen! As usual, you’ve hit the spot!