What My Grandsons Taught Me

We were heading for a month-long holiday to visit family overseas in India and the UK. On the flight bound for Chennai, India, we enjoyed a lovely meal in the skies. As a gracious stewardess cleared our trays, I made myself comfortable for a read, then a movie and a snooze. In my mind I made a list of all I could ‘teach’ our little grandsons- Nivin and Kevin.

We could draw shadows with chalk on the pavements, I could read them stories and we could draw animals on the whiteboard and sing choruses together, fly kites on the beach…..my list went on.

But during the time we had with them, the children taught me big truths in their own simple ways reminding me of Jesus’ words.

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

-Matthew 18:3 NIV

So how can we become like little children?

1. Expressing love fully and well

On landing in Chennai, walking out into the crowded waiting area, a cute shrill voice was heard above the hum drum of the airport. ‘Shoba Paatti’, (Granma)! It was Nivin’s welcome call and then we saw a little figure move among the crowd to greet us with huge hugs, the brightest smile ever and a heart full of love.

This moment has replayed in my heart and mind several times since that day and I have wondered what stops me from showing love honestly, openly and well, like little Nivin.

“It is impossible for one who hopes in God not to rejoice.”

-Martin Luther

To whom and how can we show love each day?

What stops us from baking for a friend, making that call, meeting that person or helping that neighbour?

2. Living abundantly

Abundant life looks like this, I told myself, as I watched the boys line up their toy cars, build towers and play cricket with their colorful plastic bats. Yes, they had their little fights but these were soon forgotten as they gleefully looked out for each other, sharing crayons, cars and love.

“I delight greatly in the LORD

My soul rejoices in my God.”

-Isaiah 61:10a NIV

Are delight and rejoicing part of our daily life?

Would our friends and family call us ‘praise girls’?

It makes the devil mad when we enjoy our everyday ordinary lives.

-Joyce Meyer

3. Having a stilled and quietened heart

It was Sunday, lunch time, the family was together. Little Kevin had finished lunch and looked sleepy. I carried him into the bedroom leaving our adult children to enjoy some adult conversation with their father and relish the meal.

After I ran out of lullabies I started singing verses to familiar tunes. Kevin rested his little head on my shoulder. His face looked so peaceful as his eyes closed in quiet slumber. God reminded me of the verse I had prayed over when we planned this trip.

“I have stilled and quietened my heart

Like a weaned child with its mother”

-Psalm 131: 2a NIV

Usually I am a planner/list maker but for this trip over 2 continents and 5 weeks I had prayed more than I planned. I had written out verses and prayed over them. We are now back in Auckland with very grateful hearts. Our hearts are full. The holiday had been a perfect mix of fun, rest and worship but more importantly we have learnt these lessons from our grandsons!