To Play Gladly

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

While having our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, staying with us last weekend is the very definition of fun, it is also a whirlwind of activity for all of us.  Yes, she has her quiet moments as in playing with Legos,

but Virginia is an active child as you can tell by these phone photos I snap on our Saturday morning visit to Catch Air, an indoor playground she adores.

You can see how hot and sweaty she is in this photo as she enjoys an ice cream treat.

Does this wear her out?  Hardly!  Once home, she wants to romp in the yard, beat me at checkers (twice!), paint, draw, watch some cartoons, eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and (more) ice cream, climb on the sofa, help me make cookies, jump on our bed (little monkey!), explore more Legos, and all the while, talking our ears off!  By the time I'm ready to tuck Virginia into bed, I'm ready for bed, too!

We are in the process of fixing up a bedroom for her.

When Sunday rolls around, Virginia goes to church with me and loves every moment of Sunday school.  We return home, have lunch, and then I announce to her I'll have to take her to her house shortly.  She is crestfallen.  "But Gammie, if I'd known you were going to take me home so early, I would have stayed with you in big church instead of going to Sunday school."

Yes, my heart is breaking.  I am so tempted to change my mind, and to let her Daddy come pick her up later in the afternoon.  But I know she is starting back to school on Tuesday, and the weekends are the only time she really gets to spend time with her Dad.  When I explain all this to Virginia, she perks right up.  "Maybe Daddy will play just with me and not my sisters when I get home."

"I'm sure he'll take the time to do that, honey," I assure her.

Once I get Virginia safely home and depart for my own, not without a countless exchange of hugs and kisses before I go, I realize how much I've missed the peace and quiet I've grown so accustomed to.  The silence of the house is palpable, almost as if it is a sound in and of itself.  My eyes are immediately drawn to my prayer corner.  Oh, how behind I am in reading Scriptures this weekend!

As worn out as I am, that is exactly what I do.  And in the calm of the moment, God's Word envelopes me.  Revives me.  Secures and cements my life in the present moment.

Moments spent in leisurely attentiveness to what He would have me hear.

And I am convicted.

In ignoring my daily routine of Bible study while Virginia is visiting, I miss out on the opportunity to model for her what it means to be still and know He is God.  I could have, should have, and will in the future, explain to her how vital this time is for her Gammie, because this is how the Lord so often speaks to me.

And how He will speak to her in the years to come.

Long ago, I give Virginia a beginner's Bible.  I think it's high time I surprise her with one more suited to her age now.  One she can bring with her when she visits so we can explore the Word together.

Virginia needs to know the Lord God for herself.

And believe her Abba, her Heavenly Daddy, will gladly play just with her.

Amen