Grandparenting

⁶But he gives us more grace. -James 4:6a

Today I have been a grandparent for exactly three years.  I really enjoy being a mom and have loved raising my two boys, but grandparenting is pure joy.  While parenting must be about both law and grace, grandparenting is ALL grace.   And I have discovered something about real grace.... it is never forced.

I used to think God gives us grace because it was the only way for us to get to heaven.  While it is true that grace IS the only way we can get to heaven, God is not compelled to give it because of that.  Rather it gushes from his heart because of the pure love he has for us.

Cecelia has really found her independence over this last year.  She has opinions on everything.  And if she is in a "mood" she will even say no to things I know she really wants.  As a mom, I often found this behavior in my boys frustrating, but with Cecelia, I just gather her up in my arms, hug her, tickle her and give her what I know she wants anyway.

We humans spend much of our lives trying to live independent of God.  But God just loves us, and gives us what we need anyway, even when we don't even realize we need it.  We spend our lives saying, "No, no, no!" to the best things in life as we chase after the superficial things of the world, but God finds ways to sneak in grace upon grace upon grace.

God must be a parent to us quite often... stepping aside while we deal with the consequences of our sin, letting us learn from our mistakes, and discovering our need for him.  But I believe he takes the most joy out of being a grandparent to us.... just loving us no matter what... loving us even when we turn away from him... loving us just for the sake of loving us and pouring out grace upon grace upon grace, not because we need it, but because it just flows naturally from his love.

Father and Grandfather God,

Thank you for the grace you pour out upon us.  Give us hearts that can offer grace to one another as easily and as unselfishly.  Amen.

Joys:  Cecelia's birthday!; Being a grandmother; Grace... receiving and giving.