Blessed!

Psalm 37:25-26
I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be a blessing.

Last week, I decide it's high time I pay a visit to granddaughters, Virginia Rose and Savannah Jane, at school during their respective lunch times.  Virginia and I have shared many lunch dates in the past, but as Savannah has just started kindergarten, this is our first rendezvous.

I'm uncharacteristically running late, so when I arrive at the cafeteria, Savannah's class is already in the lunch line.  I have to scan the tables filling up fast with children to spot her.  When she sees me, she smiles broadly, but neither shouts nor waves her hand.  I ask, "Savannah, do you want to stay here and eat with your friends, or go over to the tables reserved for visiting parents and grandparents?"

Savannah points at the table, indicating she'd like to stay put, so I take the seat next to her.  Immediately, the other little girls at our table start chattering away at me - so cute!  But my own granddaughter?  She utters nary a word.  Just nods or points or smiles.

Or makes faces!

There are many volunteers on hand in the cafeteria, especially when the younger crowd is there.  They cheerfully make the rounds, helping to open milk cartons or juice boxes, handing out napkins, and generally patrolling the children's behavior.  I take particular notice of an older woman wearing a shirt with this proud boast on the back:  Blessed To Be Called Nana.  That makes me smile!

Before I know it, this same woman approaches me congenially, and pointing to Savannah, says, "She never speaks a word in the cafeteria.  Does she talk at home?"

"Yes," I reply, amused.  "But not nearly as much as her older sister, who does most of the talking for her."

Nana laughs.  "That's what I figured.  It happened in my family, too."  Then she's off in a twinkling to tend to the needs of waiting students.

I turn to Savannah.  "You know what got Virginia in trouble in kindergarten?"  She shakes her head "no."  "It was her constant talking.  Guess that won't be a problem for you, will it?"

I'm rewarded with a grin.

But no words.

When it's time for her class to leave the cafeteria, Savannah gives me a big hug, and gets right in line with the other students.  I wave good-bye as they troop down the hall.

Now, it's wait time until Virginia's fourth grade class appears at the lunch room doors.  When she spots me, she waves me over, hugs me, and marches confidently toward those tables designated for visitors.  Virginia is more than content to sit separately from her classmates in order to spend time with me.  Such a thrill for this Gammie!

And while Savannah only picks at her food, Virginia gobbles her lunch with gusto!

Yes, we talk.  On and on and on.  Right up to the minute Virginia's class is lining up.  "I love you, Gammie,''she declares, giving me a parting hug, which I warmly return.

"I love you, too, sweetie!"

As I reflect on the dramatic difference in personalities of these two precious grands, I find myself filled to overflowing with thankfulness for each unique and lovable soul God has chosen to put on this earth.

And this much I know:  I am blessed to be called Gammie!

Amen!