Today is Cecelia's fifth birthday. It is a birthday of sorts for me as well. Five years ago today I became a grandmother. It has changed me. My heart has become softer. And it is so much easier to share grace. Once you have loved as a grandparent loves, you come much closer to understanding how God loves. Completely. Absolutely unconditionally. Forever.
Here are some things I have learned from Cecelia over the last five years:
- If you feel like dancing, then dance! Cecelia has danced in church, at stores, in restaurants and on the soccer field (when she should have been chasing the ball!) She doesn't always even need music... there is an endless supply of music in her heart. I am convinced that the pharmaceutical industry would lose a lot of money if only we all would dance more.
- Everybody can be your BFF; just find out what you have in common. I was so proud when Cecelia told me I was her best friend... until she told me everyone was her best friend. She has since elaborated: The little girl who wore braids when Cecelia wore braids is her "hair BFF." The person in the store wearing a blue shirt while Cecelia wore a blue shirt was her "shirt BFF." Wouldn't it be a lovely world if we all focused on what we had in common, rather than our differences?
- Keep your prayers short and to the point; and the most important prayer is telling God you love him. Asked to lead the closing prayer at Vacation Bible school, Cecelia prayed, "Dear God, Thank you for the food. We ate it. It was good. Amen." Cece made a picture prayer book in Sunday school. When she sees it, it reminds her to pray and she always picks the page that reminds her to tell God she loves him. Our "wish list" prayers don't really matter. God knows what we need. The best way to open our hearts to God in prayer is to just spend quiet time loving him and listening to him and feeling his love for us. Fancy words are not necessary.
- Children should be included in Communion. Cecelia has been taking communion at Holy Cross ever since she was old enough to hold out her hand for a wafer. Once, going to another church with her mother, she was by-passed for the bread and wine receiving only a blessing from the pastor. On her way back to her seat, she exclaimed in her no-so-quiet three-year-old voice... "Hey! Where's MY Jesus?!" It is not up to us to limit the means of God's grace. Even Jesus broke the rules when something more important was going on.
- Our gifts are meant to be used to bring joy to the world. If one moment stands out in the last five years with Cecelia, it is when she spontaneously decided to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" at her Daddy and step-mom's wedding reception. She grabbed the microphone and held the room in rapt attention. Her sweet little voice brought joy to many hearts that day. How can you use your gifts and talents today to bring joy to someone else?
I could certainly go on, but I would end up with a book. Even if you are not a grandparent, there is probably a small child in your life. Watch them. They are closer to God than you might realize. They have a simple wisdom that Jesus talks about when he tells us to have the faith of a child. Emulate their faith and their joy for life. The world would be a much better place if we would.
Father,
Help us to find our childlike faith. Help us to love more easily and share more joyfully. Amen.
I think you should write that book!!!!
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