Sweetest (and only, so far) grandchild of mine, you came to my house one day this week and I was smitten. I couldn't help myself. In the first place, the shirt you wore made you the dearest little bumblebee ever!
And then you proceeded to charm me with your expressions while you played with the toys. What all were you imagining?
Your mom and dad were right when they said that your favorite toys are real tools. Hopefully your interest in them will last well beyond the day you actually need to use them to do real chores.
Then we went outside to the orchard, where you seemed a natural at handling the apples. You didn't actually pick them, but I could tell you'd know how. You surprised me by saying "ap-ple", plain as day, when you spotted one. I didn't know you use another word besides "up". It was a delightful moment.
Then we went to the swing set. You sat there. The pudge of your nose, your little hands gripping the slide, your elephant crocs, though...How do you cram so much darlingness into one pose?
Later, we got out the baseball set. You weren't sad, really, were you? Just contemplating life, I reckon. Or maybe just pondering when and where and how to throw a ball.
You know what the best thing was, though? How you gave me a picture of God's love for me. When I came to pick you up to bring you to my house, you came toddling out your apartment door toward my van, and I knew the exact moment you saw me. Your eyes lit up in recognition and you got the biggest grin on your face and you came running toward me, arms outstretched. My heart just leapt in return. I wanted nothing more than to run toward you and scoop you up and let you know my grandma love for you.
So now, since you gave me that picture, I know what I am going to do. These days, when I get all confused and distressed about stuff like viruses, hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires, be they literal or figurative, I'm going to look up. One glimpse there - maybe a verse or song or word from a friend or visit from a grandson - and my face will light up in recognition. That's from God. I know Him! I'm running toward Him, arms outstretched...