Good Monday morning...

 

… and for the past four years and five months I have had an insider’s view of the life and development of a newborn child.  It has been very interesting and exciting, but there are a few things that strike me deeper about this privileged view, as Paparooski.

First, the pure love that fills my heart toward this child.  It’s a “no duh” kind of observation that a grandfather has, I’m sure, but it is like tasting something made from scratch as opposed to the pre-packaged meal that you eat when in a hurry.  My heart still skips a beat whenever I get to spend time with Malia!  It’s true that she’s adorable and I can’t imagine anyone having anything less than what I experience… but I’m sure that to some she’s just another 4-year-old child.  My love is pure in that I pray for her well-being daily, multiple times, and will do absolutely anything it takes to surround her with the loving devotion that nurtures her growth, and watching Lisa engage in her development has been a special gift toward that end.

Secondly, the growth is fascinating.  Malia’s ability to play is a display of pure imagination and verbalization.  She will be so into her toys, speaking aloud for each one, that I just stand back and watch and listen in amazement.  Her verbal skills have grown rapidly.  Newborns make you wonder when and if they will ever be able to speak.  That wonder has long been settled with Malia.  She loves to verbalize, and for a short period of time, Lisa was the translator for this old Papa who was desperately wanting to understand every word, but now her speech is easy to understand, which is why I find her so incredibly fascinating.  She is developing a keen sense of reasoning!

Thirdly, her love for her “Nana and Papa” is, well, pure.  I get to see this when she comes to our home for a day or two, and it is so uplifting.  When I leave for work in the mornings that she is with us, it’s always with a “see you later, alligator.”  Then, “after while, crocodile.”  Then, “see you soon, teaspoon.”  And then, from the top of our stairs, I hear, “see you later, teaspoon” followed by the infectious laughter of a child!  How can any day start better than that?  I’m so thankful that Emily is trusting us, and her sister, to help with the childcare she needs while raising Malia as a single mom.  I know what we are doing is good for all involved, but I am also profoundly grateful for the gift God has brought into my life through this granddaughter.

Raising children in this rapidly changing world is challenging, maybe even scary, and I pray equally as much for Emily as she is the one primarily responsible for Malia’s well-being.  But the magnificence of human growth and development is a great reminder to me of God’s awesome creation and His gracious design for a love that is so pure and undeniable.  I’m hooked for life!

For His glory,

Pastor Mike