Friday, August 4, 2017

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

14 comments:

  1. Glad you had your time- and made sure her folks did to- with your wonderful grandchild.

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    1. Thank you, Roy! Yes, it was a fabulous time for all.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Wonderful scripture that fills the soul, and enjoyed your insightful perspective as always. Thanks for sharing and warm greetings to you and yours.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Blogoratti! Glad you enjoyed the post.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Oh Martha, this is an amazing post! Virginia is a whirlwind of activity! :) I'd love to have that type of energy (not just be around that type of energy). I'm sure Virginia would love a new Bible geared to her age. It's a good thing for you to model for her what it means to walk with the Lord.

    Love and blessings!

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    1. I wish I had her energy, too, Kim, but those days are long gone - LOL! And yes, I did go ahead and order her a new Bible shortly after writing this post. I can't wait to explore it with her!
      Love and blessings!

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  4. What a beautiful balance of active and quiet, together and along here, Martha. She looks taller in these photos!! She calls you Gammie, I am "Ammie" cute.

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    1. You are "Ammie?" That's what three-year-old Savannah calls me because she can't get the "g" sound yet. Another great coincidence!
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Oh what a lovely post. Virginia definitely sounds like a very bright, energetic and happy child. You are blessed to be able to spend this special time with her, and yes, the quiet times would be good for her and you as well. What joy this must be for you...

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    1. I count it all pure joy, Pamela, even when she runs me ragged, which is most of the time. Memories like these are one-of-a-kind, that's for sure!
      Love and blessings!

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  6. After a weekend with my nephews, I need several months to recover :) !?!?!! I'm ready for bed just by reading all the activities over your weekend, Martha. I have no doubt that this special bonding time with you is going to influence your granddaughter in so many ways in her life.

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    1. Lol, Vishnu, I hear you! But the time we spend with the little ones is so well worth it in the end. I know your nephews will grow up having wonderful memories of their uncle. What could be better?
      Love and blessings!

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  7. I'm with Vishnu! I love my grandchildren so much, but a whole weekend?! I will be doing that in September, so wish me luck!

    By the way, my daughter called me last night and told me something that will affirm the value of the time you spend with your grandchildren. She was talking with her 5 year old son and asking him about how the people in his life love him. For example, he said her husband, his stepdad, has "play with me" love. His mommy has "snuggle with me" love. When she asked him about me, he said that Nana has "be with me" love. My heart melted!

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    1. Oh, Galen, my heart is melting, too! What could be better than "be with me" love? What a sweet grandson you have!
      I will be thinking of you on that weekend, that's for sure. Virginia has two younger sisters I've yet to keep over. Don't think I could handle all three until the littles grow up some more.
      Love and blessings!

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. . . Good Tidings of Great Joy . . .

  . . . Good tidings of great joy . . . ~Luke 2:10 Pictured above are my daughter, Sarah, son-in-law, John, and their three girls, Virginia,...