I have two grandaughters; they are a delight and indescribably precious! (And I am, of course, unbiased!!) Being a grandmother opens a space in your heart that you didn't even know existed, expanding with chubby cheeks and toothless smiles. Little fingers secure in your own hinders an army of ills.
These daily doses, I am discovering, deliver their own army of ills….with lingering residual as the days go by. New to the wkend was a good case of seasickness……but I wasn’t at sea. Anyone who has been on a rolling body of water realizes that if you can keep your eyes on the horizon you have a better chance of avoiding the above. Meds help, but bring their own impact. The preferred remedy was two granddaughters and lots of family time. They brought their diversion of a different horizon, transforming the view with hugs and coos.
Matthew 14 relates the story about Peter, who is so credible because he is SO human! Seeing Christ approaching across the water in a storm, he asks Him to prove it is really Him and give him the same ability to step into the water and stay afloat. He starts out well, but falters as the wind whips up and the waves roll……and he averts his eyes and begins to sink. Familiar tale: good intentions, tough circumstances, and it’s easy to fall. But Peter cries out, our own voices ringing often with his, asking to be saved from the sinking. Christ gives him His hand, catches Peter, and climbs in the boat with him. The waves subside.
Like Peter, I am not beyond sinking, and must once again call out to have my eyes raised from the squall underneath to the Face that brings me hope. I am called to keep my eyes focused on a greater horizon and my hand firmly encased in the One that thwarts the storm. And as HE climbs in the boat with me, He brings treasured granddaughters and loving family, and dear friends who create a lovely horizon of care!
Your prayers keep that horizon steady, near, and in place, and I am deeply grateful!
As a nurse and a daughter I have seen the struggle that you are having to endure and I want you to know that we are all here for you any time you need any of us. I love your blogs because they describe your deep and abiding faith and your writing is beautiful and eloquent! My dad used to say that at first he was just walking up hill, then jogging, then running and the only reason he kept putting one foot in front of the other was to see the smiling faces of his family. Husbands, children and grandchildren are a reflection of the love you give them and you have a whole bouquet of smiling faces! Lots of love, Cat
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