A grandmother's perspective on life

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Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought

by Mary May Larmoyeux

Have you ever wondered "What's going on with our world?"  I sure have. I'm going to date myself, but I remember a time when it wasn't polite to say "pregnant" in public. Now, that seems like centuries ago, doesn't it?

Has our world forgotten who made it? How many today really believe the words of Isaiah 40:28, "Do you not know?  Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth." 

A couple of Christmases ago, Pops and I bought a puzzle cube for our grandkids to play with. Looking at it today reminds me of what happens when we try to get around a designer's design. The cube had a Christmas picture of Charlie Brown and Snoopy.  When someone put the picture together, everything fit together nicely.

Well, one of our grandkids had a stroke of genius. She discovered that the pictures were not painted on the individual squares; they were made with stickers. One day when the picture was scrambled, she decided to pull off the stickers and form the correct picture herself—a much easier thing to do. And, I might add, when she finished the first time it looked just like the accurately completed puzzle.

But there was a problem. If the cube was turned, the picture was a mess. So when that happened, she and other grandkids tried to put it together again. Some of the kids put stickers on top of stickers. Quite frankly, now the Christmas photo cube is useless.

As a grandmother whose life is centered on Jesus Christ, I'm reminded of Who is holding this crazy world together, even now.  Colossians 1:16-18 says: " For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy."

When the older grandkids come over, I want to show them what once used to be a fun puzzle cube and compare it to the choices they will have in life. They can either follow the Designer's pattern, or choose some shortcuts that might have temporary satisfaction (with possible life-changing results).

The choice is theirs. Pops and I pray that they will choose wisely.

Have a great week,
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux



Post and photo © 2013 Mary Mary Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.

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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