imageHe arrived, finally, my grandson. Brody Alexander, a tiny, but mighty little guy weighing in at a mere 6lbs 4oz, and measuring just 18.75 inches, brought with him the discovery that my daughter wasn’t as far along as the doctors thought she was, about 3-4 weeks early! We were blessed, though, by the fact that he is healthy and required no extra attention, beyond that which everyone of us was itching to give. And that included one little two year old girl name Lilli, who has been waiting as anxiously as the rest of us for a glimpse of her little brother.

When her daddy brought her in yesterday, and she saw her mommy, she ran in shouting “Mommy!” And ran straight to her, stopping when she saw the little bundle in Mommy’s arms. Then she whispered, in wonder, “That Bwody?” She climbed up on the bed and couldn’t stop smiling the smile that is her signature, holding and touching and kissing his sweet face that is so like her own. Instantly, her instinct to protect him seem to blossom. She fed him a bottle and talked “mommy talk” to him like a little pro.

Later, when some friends came by, she introduced them to him. “That Bwody, he my bwudder.” And then for special emphasis and pride, “MY bwudder.” I was so struck by how she knew, at two, that it was up to her to show him off, help him out, show him love. I know, once we get him home, she’ll be showing him his room, and running to get him things that will settle him, telling him all the important things that her little mind feels he needs to know.

Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be for all of us? At the end of the day, isn’t that what our lives are really all about, learning and growing to pass our knowledge and love and faith to those coming up behind? I think we are made to be a perpetual relay race, passing the baton from one generation to the next, to the next, moving the message of truth and light on through to eternity.

I’m so thankful today for God’s favor and blessing on my family. My heart is on its knees in gratitude and humility over such a gift, and the extraordinary reminder of the gift we all have, everyday, of being alive to learn and pass it on.

 

“And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” Philemon 1:6 ESV

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV

“‘Love the Lord you God with all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 NLT