Welcome to a place where we can share ideas about grandparenting, especially ways to pass spiritual values and family stories to the next generation.

Mary is the co-author of The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart.
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Co-author of The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

A Valuable Gift

by Mary May Larmoyeux
Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought

I was looking out of a third-story office window this morning, noticing the budding trees below. They were various shades of green—light and dark, bright and subdued, emerald and mint.

Although I saw the trees when I drove into work, it took some height to get a panoramic view. Only then did I begin to grasp a smidgen of the creative genius of God as the strokes of His brush have once again transformed a barren winter landscape into a spring scene filled with new life.

Looking out of that window today reminded me of grandparenting. I can imagine you shaking your head thinking, "Mary, that's a stretch."

Well, maybe it won't seem like such a stretch when I explain why.

One of my mother's favorite sayings is "Things have a way of working out." It used to frustrate me when she'd say this, but over time I've learned that she's really right. Most things somehow do work out, despite the ups and downs of everyday living.

Mom was a grandmother when I first remember her reciting, "Things work out." And now, as a grandmother myself, I'm starting to not only repeat her favorite saying, but also to believe its message in my heart. Knowing that God is ultimately working all things for His good purposes frees me from being trapped by yesterday and gives me great hope for tomorrow.

Mom is the matriarch of our family. She represents values ... and faith ... and loved ones who pull together. As she has gotten older, it's as though she is looking at life from an "upper-story window."

Like Mom, we grandparents can offer our legacy a priceless gift that comes with age: perspective. And holding hands with perspective walks our life experiences with God.

Yes, things somehow do work out.

Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

—Isaiah 46:4

He is able,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com
author of Help for Busy Moms: Purposeful Living to Simplify Life

© Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mary, you will never know how calming your article is. When I read the words your mother said it reminded me of my mother. They were so wise. I am keeping the Isaiah quotation on my desk. It will sustain me. Blessings, R

Mary May Larmoyeux said...

R, your comment really encouraged me! I bet your mom and mine could have been dear friends. The Isaiah quote calms me, too. - Mary