Read Me a Story

Virginia Rose feeding the birds

Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, is an extremely active child.  She loves doing things whether it's kicking a ball, dancing ("Look!  Cool moves, Gammie!), coloring, making things with her play-do and blocks, or feeding the birds.  Though her parents have diligently tried reading to her as she grows from baby to toddler, Virginia doesn't seem to be interested in the actual story.  She prefers them to name the characters in the pictures and simply explain what they are up to.

This Gammie, who is both an avid writer and notorious book worm, can't help but feel somewhat disheartened.  I keep praying Virginia will come around and actually gain the patience necessary to listen to a good story.  That, one day, she'll ask me to read to her.

On top of just reading children's books to Virginia, I long to acquaint her with stories from the Bible.  I've had The Beginner's Bible recommended by a trusted church friend who has small children.  However, I hesitate for months to order it, waiting to see if Virginia will have a change of heart and realize that reading is fun.

Finally, I can wait no longer.  I purposely bring up some children's books from our library downstairs, coax Virginia into my lap, open the first one, The Three Little Pigs, cross my fingers, and start reading to her.  Half way through the tale, her Papa, a.k.a. Danny, takes over, telling the story in the voice of Porky Pig.  That does the trick!  Virginia is enthralled with the story all the way to end.  There is hope!

That very evening, Danny orders The Beginner's Bible from Amazon Prime.  It should arrive by Virginia's next scheduled visit!  Oh, how I'm anxious for a positive reaction from her!

I mention nothing to Virginia about her new Bible when I pick her up and bring her over to our house.  I've set it on a small table beside our couch wondering if she'll notice it on her own.  She is not in the living room 20 seconds when we hear:  "Gammie!  Papa!  You got Ginna a book!"

Grasping it in both hands and with a beaming smile on her face, Virginia races over to me, hands me the Bible, and utters the one phrase I've been dying to hear from her.

"Gammie, read me a story."

"Of course, Virginia," I say happily, eager to share with my precious granddaughter the greatest stories ever told . . .

~

Were you a reluctant reader as a child?  Do you have or know any children who are?

Prayer:

We are so thankful, Father, for the gift of Your Word.  May we teach our children about Your great love for them through all Your stories in the Bible.  Let them learn to follow and trust You through the examples we set for them.  Amen.