My Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

I was awake in the night praying for my granddaughter. She was leaving on her first driving-trip alone to Austin yesterday morning. At 17 she's a great driver, but I send off a quick text message to her: “Looks like lots of rain this morning, sweet girl. Please, please be careful and cautious. Praying angels around you.” I go back to sleep and wake up thinking about her. I better text her and remind her that the Dallas traffic really picks up the later she leaves. (I drive these roads often so I know what lies ahead of her!) I better tell her to leave early before the traffic gets heavy! My text: “Good morning, precious girl. Are you close to heading out? I pray angels all around you, sweet girl. As you’re going down Dallas Tollway, don’t be like me switching lanes. Pick a lane and just stay in it. That’s the best way. Sorry, I’m being a Nana nag. But I love you so much I want you protected and safe. Have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to hearing all about it. I love you so so much!”

I call her a couple of hours later and find out she’s safely made it to Italy, Texas and past Carl’s Corner. All is well. What in the world is the matter with this doting Nana? Yes. I am. Proud of it. Each one of my grandchildren has had my special attention, but this girl of five boys, I’m smitten. I think the love dosage has increased of late as I’m seeing my girl blossom into a beautiful young woman who not only cracks me up with her wit but now true wisdom has kicked in on so many levels. I’m so proud of her as she just graduated from high school. And to celebrate, all she asked for was to spend last weekend at her Uncle Ryan and Aunt Shawntel’s home with the boys. (I missed out because I was in Tulsa for a reunion with friends.)

I realize I’m having to continue to untie my “Nana” apron strings with the older grands. After Alexia, came Brennan (14) and Bryson (12) so I have more letting go to do with them eventually, but for now I’ll continue to do what I do best. Love them, spend as much time with them as I can…..and pray for them.

It’s expected that a good Mom and Nana keeps her heart and eyes open for them – right? I’ve been on this life path for many years, going before them. I know my subtle “recommendations” to them are often overkill and unneeded, but it’s innate to want them safe and protected and I think it’s my job to ensure that happens. Oh me! Then, the best reality check comes to mind. It isn’t my frugal attempts to keep them safe that makes the difference – it is our all-sufficient and all-loving God Who is overabundant in grace and mercy to handle all that for me.

Reality check. No matter what path we (and our children) walk or drive down, God is one step ahead. No matter what mountain we (and our children) come up against, He is already climbing it. No matter what journey of uncertainty we (and our children) encounter, God is 100 steps further. He’s laying out our path and their path and preparing our steps.

“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
‘The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf…” Deuteronomy 1:30

God is famous for caring and preparing us and our children for greater things. He walks ahead to fight our battles. He calms the storms we’re convinced we can’t beat. He softens the blows we worry will take us down. He knows our roads.

Here’s what I know: I worry less when I hand over the worry and concerns to He Who is the waymaker, provider, and caregiver – extraordinaire!

FYI – just got a text from her – “Just stopped at CFA (Chick-fil-A) in Waco! Got a yummy breakfast!” The girl works at CFA and still wants to eat there! No need to worry or fret! The girl’s got game……and chicken!

Look What's on My BFF's Front Porch

 Day 189 of Photo Inspirations -- Look What's on My BFF's Front Porch!
So my BFFs, Charles & Sheila Michie​  and us (my husband and I) go way back.  We've celebrated the blessings of God for years, in so many ways. We've travelled together, celebrated many momentous occasions together, ministered together in conferences and seminars and have been together in the start of a new business.  

A few days ago, it was Sheila's birthday and I'm sure she would tell us that the VIP at her bd party was her new grandson, Benjamin Liam.  I loved it when I drove up to their house and saw that baby stroller on their front porch -- the epic symbol of "a baby is near....and he's HERE!"

I was thrilled to host the Grand-Baby Shower for their precious first grandchild at the clubhouse where I live.  They asked me to say a few words and I shared how this couple and my husband and I had lots of wonderful times together. Most significantly, was the time during my sweet husband's illness when they supported us on such a regular basis -- bringing communion to us, praying with us, bringing meals to us and going on prayer of faith walks around hospitals with us.  We've had a lot of things in common, but one missing was a grandchild. My oldest grandson is 23 now, so being able to celebrate this special season of their lives is so sweet.

Now, they know the profound love that a grandparent has for a little one.   They can glow with pride as they watch their son so endeared to his new son. Now, they understand what all those silly grandparents were talking about when they incessantly talked about their grandkids and showed off the latest photo of them.  In fact, as

I'm typing this post, Sheila just sent me this photo of little Benji all tuckered out from all the excitement.  Sheila is well on her way to being one of us -- one of those doting, adoring grandmothers.   I love it.

As I continued to share, I talked about friendship and what this precious couple has meant to me. "People come and go in our lives: some will be friends for a reason; some will be friends for a season, but Mick & Sheila are my friends for a lifetime.   Yes, they are LIFERS.   What a great joy it is for me to celebrate little Benji and all of his accomplishments for so many years to come.....AND, he's already on track to be the subject of many conversations.  In fact, He's already turning over.  The firsts of many firsts. And, best of all for Sheila and I -- now when she asks how my grandkids are doing,  I can reciprocate by asking, "And how is yours?"   Oh the blessings of living smack dab in the middle of God's "goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives"!