Friday, August 30, 2019

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!

26 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post today, Martha. Thank you. You are making good memories that will last a lifetime. What a gift.

    God bless you and your family.

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    1. Yes, Victor, wonderful memories, indeed. I am so very grateful for all the moments I can spend with the grands.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Alexandra Nancy is TOO cute! Oh, I can't even. I think a child's joy is a great example of God incarnate.

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    1. I'm with you, Mevely, that the joy of children gives us a glimpse into who God truly is. And I'm in full agreement, too, that Alexandra is one cute little girl. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Yep, especially when they are grandchildren. I was often too tired and stressed to fully embrace and enjoy the opportunities I had with my kids. But now with grandkids! Party on is right!

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    1. Exactly, Galen! Grandchildren are definitely the reward for having children in the first place. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Of course she wins! That's what grandparents are for - to love and to make sure our grandkids are happy and safe. Just as God loves us.
    She is a cutie!!!

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    1. What grandparents are absolutely for, Laurie! I do believe the love we feel from God shines the brightest when we are with our grands.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. I'd say with the granddaughters you have, you are actually the winner. :)

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    1. Oh, Bill, thank you! Yes, come to think of it, I do feel like a winner in all of this. Hope Alexandra will always stay as sweet as she is now.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. What a sweet post, Martha! Children do tend to speak the truth--they haven't yet developed a filter (then again, some adults haven't either!). Alexandra is simply precious.

    Love and blessings!

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    1. Lol, Kim, I liked what you said about some adults not developing a filter - what's cute on kids is NOT so cute on those who spew whatever is on their minds. Honesty is one thing, but when it's not expressed in a loving way, it can do far much more harm than good. I think Alexandra is pretty precious, too!
      Love and blessings!

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  7. how precious. You are blessed indeed. So glad you got time just with her. To be honest I knew you had two and didn't realize there was a third so so pleased to meet her today Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Yes, I'm so glad you could be introduced to Alexandra, Jean. She is a gem, for sure, and is SO much easier to handle when her sisters aren't competing for attention. Hoping we'll have many more moments like these to come. You have a wonderful weekend, too, my friend!
      Love and blessings!

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  8. You are so right! When we release our baggage we do win because Jesus takes care of us. A good reminder for every one of us!

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    1. So glad this was a great reminder for you, Barbara! We do need to lay all our burdens at the feet of Jesus.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Great post, Martha. I have never been married so have never had the joy and privilege of having children and grandchildren. But I can enjoy my friend's grandchildren. How precious to have a toddler spontaneously come up to you and give you a kiss. They are so precious, and I have been so blessed to watch all three of them from birth as they grow and as they play with each other. A blessing from the Lord indeed.

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    1. All children, whether they are ours by birth or not, can be such an incredible blessing, Diane, I agree. Glad you can enjoy your friend's grandchildren.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. What a great post about this precious little! I LOVE playing games with my crew. Several games have modified "Lulu Rules" to help the game end with a good outcome. YES, I WIN!
    Blessings, My Friend!

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    1. When the grands are that young, sometimes modifications are in order, just to give them confidence to play again. It's a win-win, Loralu!
      Love and blessings!

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  11. I'm so happy Alexandra got to spend one-on-one quality time with you, Martha. And vice versa. :) She is so cute, and what a precious display of victory. I love the spiritual lesson you share, too. Yes, through Jesus, we win! I'd love to have the childlike exuberance Alexandra has! Thank you for this inspiring post! Love and blessings to you!

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    1. Yes, Trudy, I'm so grateful for this time with Alexandra, too. And it's so true that we all are winners when we choose to follow Jesus.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Thanks for sharing your grandma - love over at my place, Martha!

    So many smiles here ...

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  13. Aw, how sweet! She is just adorable! I miss being around little ones, and as you said, it is so wonderful to look at things through their fresh, unjaded eyes! May God bless you, sweet friend. :)

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    1. Yes, being around the little ones is such a joy, Cheryl! And God, I'm certain, wants us to see Him with those same fresh and unjaded eyes.
      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,...