Babysitters-Opportunity to Bless

Grandparents don't always choose to be babysitters for their grandchildren, but it is often expected of us. Whether we do or don't, we can all sit with our little ones in special times of giving attention and love.

Romans 12:16 (ESV) says, "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." Can you imagine with me the picture of a wrinkled, white haired grandparent surrounded by children laughing and listening to one another?

I have had the challenge and privilege of caring for each of my grandladies and grandmen before they started school. Babysitting, for me, has been a daily experience. But there are times now that we are offered the opportunity to spend time with them over night or throughout the weekend.

Recently, we had our oldest Grandladies (ages 13 and 11) visit over night. Memories were made with a walk around the park, a funny movie, shopping for a checker board, a united effort to make a yummy dinner, and then roasting marshmallows over the fire pit. It was wonderful to hear how much they loved spending time with us. Times like these will get fewer, and so we made the most of it. A few planned activities was all it took to make the time remarkable. But the activities do not compare to the conversations and laughter we shared. We enjoyed each other. We had fun!

Some Grandpas and Grandmas live far away from their grands. They are blessed to see them at vacation time or on special family occasions. Others see their children and grandchildren often. Both can enjoy the role of Babysitter. We only need to think out of the box when we find time to sit with our precious little ones.

Those who live across the miles from their grandchildren have many opportunities to communicate today that were not available in the past. Technology makes it possible for us to see each other and spend some quality time together. Taking the time to read or ask questions over the computer could be the path to bonding. For those who feel unable to traverse the electronic maze, I would say, "Try it". You have a chance to be blessed and to be a blessing.

Neighborly grandparents are not limited to time spent reading or playing. Going on special outings or participating in children's art, sports or educational activities as they grow keeps us close and keeps us active as well.

Above all it is most important to enjoy our grandchildren. We should greet them with open arms and send them home with a smile and a promise to see them again soon. Every opportunity with them should be an opportunity to bless them.

A note for those raising grandchildren: It is a difficult task to be both parent and grandparent. In my opinion it is very important to be the best parent you can be for them. Maybe there will be times when you can slip into the role of grandparent and enjoy the bond you have in a different light. Look for those opportunities not only for your sake but theirs as well. Nurturing the unique relationship of grandparent and child is worth it to both parties.

Father God, You open Your arms to all who would come to You. You make the time we spend with You full of new and exciting revelations. I don't spend near as much time as I should with You. I am sorry for that. Thank You for the love You pour out on us every day. Thank You for welcoming all the little children and bringing them close to You. Teach me to be a grandparent like You are a Father to me. You can teach me so much!

Advice or Prayer

When we ask for prayer from others are we asking for advice?

There are so many times I do not ask for prayer from others because I don't want their advice. I want God to do a work in my life. As the saying goes: If I want advice I will ask for it. If I am asking for prayer I appreciate knowing my friends will pray first before sharing what they might think God is telling me.

I guess I believe that God will give me the answer because it is my problem. Yes, sometimes I won't listen, and He might need to send a messenger to make His will known, but most of the time I hear and obey. It does not seem necessary for others to jump in with advice before they pray.

I also have found myself giving advice when asked to pray. I am ashamed to say that my assumptions about others' problems were not always correct. In fact, when I think I know the answer to my own prayers I am also wrong. Assuming that I know the answer is arrogant. Because I have found myself advising before praying, and recognizing my faulty assumptions, I have decided to watch myself. I will step aside and allow God to direct my friend and myself as well.

Father, You have given us a precious gift in prayer. We communicate with YOU, the all-knowing, Good and prefect Creator. I can never compare to You in my advice and certainly, I do not know the answer You would give until I talk to You! Forgive me for being arrogant in putting my thoughts and ideas ahead of Yours. Thank You for using friends and prayer warriors to reveal Your desires when I do not listen to Your voice. Help me to grow humble before You and let You be God when someone asks me to pray.

Books, Books, Books

I love books. Old and new, books send out a sirens call to me, drawing me to bring them home to my already overflowing bookcases. Will I ever have enough?

I heard recently that a book given as a gift is really and invitation to a conversation. The giver wants to enjoy the experience of the book with the recipient. I know that is true for me. When I give a book I really want to know what you think about it. Did you enjoy it? Or not? What did you learn, if anything? One thing I always want to know is that you did read it.

For the past few summers I have spent my reading time immersed in the Black, Red, White Trilogy by Ted Dekker. It took me three summers to really get a grasp of the story and the underlining message. I now have a pile of books to look into this summer, accumulated from the past three that I spent revisiting the dual worlds in the Trilogy. I do not know what I will choose to read this summer, but it would be fun to share with you!

I have heard that to be a good writer you should read, read, read, and write, write, write! I am doing my part and I do hope that my efforts are rewarded.

Father, You are the Author of the greatest book given to mankind! I love Your words and Your story! You give wisdom and life through all the laughter, tears, struggles, failures and victories that fill Your pages. I can never compare to You ! No other author that I enjoy compares to You. Thank You for reaching out to us with Your words. Thank you for the gift of communication and relationship! You gave me Your word so we might have a conversation. Help me to turn to You for that revealing time after I read Your Word! Thank You!

Deeper Still?

One of my deepest desires is to connect with people. I try very hard but it seems that I don't do as good a job with it as I want to do.

I don't want to talk over the weather, or frivolous activities. I want to really know people. I know I can't do that with everyone, but it seems that family would be a good place to start. I guess what I want is to have safe and sane discussions about who the person is and what they stand for. Not an easy task when our emotions get in the way.

Like my sister tells me all the time: Shallow is good! To which I respond: But can't we go just a little deeper?

The desire of my heart is fulfilled in Jesus! He lets me dive in and go as deep as I want! He is a deep well of experience and person hood that delights me! I am just waiting for another to come with me into His depths so we can share. It needs to be someone safe, where I can reveal my heart. They must also be sane, truly seeking truth. This will be a person of accountability, fun, and spiritual pursuits.

Maybe I ask too much. Maybe God is enough!

Communication

Being a woman, I find that communication has many levels. Words, tone, gestures, body language, inferences as well as history, and past discussions that all come together to mean something. Well, maybe only to me. Especially when I am talking to a man!

Men (at least the men I know) don't allow themselves to hear more than the words, unless it makes sense for them to do so. I find it hard to communicate what I really want to say without all the nuances. With all that in mind, I question if there is any real communication that happens between the sexes.

In order for my man to understand I must explain myself. Even a short lesson in explaining the history or what was said previously between us can make our conversations long and drawn out. And yet, I talk too much.

Communication is a two way street that women must pave and build road signs in order for the men in their lives to follow. Without us, men would sit on the side of the road and never move towards understanding. It would be so nice to work together.

I am sure God made women to desire the exchange of meaningful words. I just wish he would have sent along an instruction book on how to make communication work with men!