What is there about grandchildren that brings such unbridled joy when they come to visit? My young granddaughter is full of so much energy, spunk, and definitive ideas, it is amazing to watch. I love spending time with her.
She may want to read a book, watch a specific show, or ask you to play, “house” with her. If you dare to let your attention wander, she will walk up to you, grab your cheeks in her hands, look deeply into your eyes and say, “I want you to play with me.” And she doesn’t mean casually. She wants you fully engaged.
Even if you have other things you hope to accomplish, she wants to spend time with me. It’s that passion that I relish. I look forward to that time with her.
And isn’t that the same thing that our Heavenly Father wants? He desires to spend time with us. Not a passing, quick prayer, or an obligatory visit to church on Sunday morning. But as Philippians 4:4 says: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” The dictionary definition of rejoice is to feel or show great joy or delight. Does that match our actions, our emotions?
How can I be so excited to spend time with my granddaughter and at the same time not as passionate to be in prayer or Bible study, spending time with my Heavenly Father, who longs for my attention?
Psalm 44:8 says: “In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.”
We are quick to pull out our cell phones or picture albums to brag on our grandkids, but how often do we extol the miracles we experience, the love God shows us and the best gift ever, eternal life? We don’t earn it, but He still loves and forgives us. As it says in the well-known poem, Footprints; “my precious child, I love you and will never leave you. During your trials and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” How often do we joyfully shout that from the rooftops?
We invite you to partner with CEF to Build the Kingdom. Let’s share that unbridled joy, together, with the world.
Bill Burmeister
Church Extension Fund – Michigan District
800-242-3944 + bill.burmeister@mi-cef.org
