Both girls were sick so I went over to babysit them in their home. That is quite a different experience than being on my own turf.
They were excited to play with their toys and games with me. The morning flew with playing KerPlunk, Cooties, Feed the Pig and Let’s Dance Kids. There’s nothing like the sense of achievement when you beat a 7 year old at the Hustle and Hit Me With Your Best Shot š
We played Cooties, building our little bugs as we went along. When we were all done, I said to the girls, “Let’s each make up a story about our bug.” Sophia went first weaving a story with great detail and all the excitement she could think of. I went next, keeping my story on the simple side.
Then it was Jocelyn’s turn. A little shy at first, she began with, “Once upon a time…” and paused. So I encouraged her. “Come on. You can do it. Everybody can tell a story. It’s your story.”
“I can’t do it,” she said with a sad resignation. “Come on, you can. It will be a beautiful story!”
I kept smiling, nodding my head to keep her going, as she told the story of her Jocelyn bug who was beautiful and loved to walk in the grass and smell flowers. The story came slowly as she gave it careful thought. But it came.
As the words, “The end!” were spoken, her face beamed with the joy of having told her story.
I’ve thought about it often over the weekend. It’s funny how the idea of stories is in us from such a young age …
- We all have a story to tell.
- Each of our stories will be different from the other.
- Telling our stories brings a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
The words began to go through my mind as I reached for my Bible, turning to the familiar words:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6: 6-7, NIV)
We are to tell our stories so that our children will hear about our God and the marvelous acts He has done in our lifetime. It will lead them to develop their own walk with God. They will also discover the power of their own story. They will begin to learn and apply themselves to new and exciting opportunities. And so today I pray,
Dear God, help my grandchildren to find learning to be a joy rather than a tedious task. May they come to find that new ideas and projects bring excitement and a sense of wonder as they learn about all You have created. Keep their minds focused and give them clarity of thought. Help them to concentrate and to remember their lessons each day. Help them to enjoy those subjects which come easily. But more so, develop in them the grit and perseverance to work through those which they may find challenging. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Today I am joining … #SmallWonder and Playdates With God and Inspire Me Monday and Sharing His Beauty .
Such a beautiful prayer from a thought grandmother Joanne. What a blessing you are to them. You are building wonderful memories with the girls and passing along a rich spiritual inheritance.
I’m trying, Wanda. Some days turn out better than others š But they both bless me deeply!
Story telling with my boys – those memories are so special to me! You are so right – we need to tell our children the faith stories of our lives! I love how you brought this alive with your real story with your granddaughters!
Shalom!
Maryleigh
Thank you, Maryleigh. Our stories matter and so do theirs. May we listen attentively to them when they share. Blessings!
Can you be my grandmother? ha. What a wonderful day with your granddaughters. They are blessed to have you AND your stories.
Lisa, I actually think I am the one who is blessed by them both. They bring such joy, and laughter each day. Just this week I had to take a video of Jocelyn which has made us laugh till our eyes squirted. Have a blessed weekend!
What a gift to your grandkids – that time spent together and your heartfelt prayer. Thanks for linking with #SmallWonder!
Thank you, Kelly. I truly feel like it is I who received the gift!
That verse from Deuteronomy is one of my favorites. His story in our history, love that thought!
It’s amazing when you think of it. Can we even imagine when He rolls back the scroll & shows us how each story fit so perfectly!
Playing games with children–that evokes so many memories. I especially love the prayer at the end of your post. I’ll have to steal it to prayer for my grandchildren. š Thanks for a delightful, thoughtful post.
Nancy, steal away š May we raise up a generation who lives in the fullness of all God has for them!
Amen! We have to tell our stories–tell the stories of the rocks and the hard places and set up signposts that remind them of the blessings the Lord has given us.
Yes, Anita! You make a powerful point. We need to tell the hard stories as well. So glad you commented. Blessings!
Hi Joanne,
Oh, yes! For our children to have instilled a love of learning! It was always my foremost endeavor and prayer as a teacher because even if a child struggled in one area or another, if they desired to learn or loved to learn, they would still be okay and they would still climb great big mountains in life. It’s the children that shut down and close their minds that struggle in lifelong measures. Wonderful post! I loved it!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Lori, I love what you have shared. I hope your words bless others as they have mine today!