I Win, Gammie!

Luke 18:16
But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Our two oldest granddaughters, Virginia Rose and Savannah Jane, are both in school.  That leaves the youngest, Alexandra Nancy, as the only sibling left at home with her mom, my daughter, Sarah, during the school day.  When Sarah asks if I can babysit Alexandra so she can go to a routine doctor's appointment, I am over the moon!  This is the first time I've ever been with this precious girl alone without the company of her sisters.

I arrive with with my usual arsenal of games, ones that I played endlessly with Virginia when she was younger, a pack of crayons and some paper.  We are ready to party on!

We play all four games several times (sorry, no photos!), and Alexandra is thrilled when she wins more than she loses.  "I win, Gammie, I win!"  she shouts gleefully.  And for the most part, she does, fair and square.  True confession:  I hang back on the fishing game to let her get the edge on how many she captures, and I sift through the Candy Land deck once to make sure her next pick is the blue card required for a victory.  But can you blame me when I'm rewarded with a smile like this?

Next, we spend some time drawing.  I write Alexandra's name at the top of the page, and encourage her to copy the letters.

She does so quite well, though not in order.  That concept has yet to be grasped, but it is sure to come.  "What a great job you're doing, Alexandra!"  I exclaim.  "You keep practicing like that and you'll be more than ready for kindergarten next year."  Oh, how she beams!

Just before Sarah is due to arrive home, Alexandra and I are sitting on the couch together, watching the sweet movie, Air Buddies, when she points to my head and says, "Gammie, you have grey hair."  LOL!  Out of the mouths of babes!  Yes, I do have grey, but I think it's cleverly disguised by blonde highlights.  I guess not.  Children have such an uncanny talent for calling things as they are, don't they?

All in all, we have a terrific two hours together.  There's nothing like being around a child to feel one's own inner child renewed and refreshed.  Alexandra, I can truly say, brings out the best in me.

Because we can't be reminded enough that God's kingdom belongs to those who would enter it with trust, love and honesty.

If we can release the baggage we have accrued during this life and simply turn to Jesus, resting out heads on His shoulder, feeling His strong and comforting arms around us, we can declare, as Alexandra did, "I win!"

Amen!