Deep Thoughts by Donna #2

I have tried so hard not to go crazy about my grandkids. I remember listening ( or trying to look like I was) to women who were very sincere about the amazing things their little ones did, but I was in the middle of my children 24/7 and did not quite get the "delight" in their stories.

However, (you knew this was coming) last night, Bud and I babysat our 3 grand-daughters while mom and dad went to a movie. Our middle girl, Meriwether, is 18 months old. Her face lights up when she smiles and it is contagious! Meri, however, has had several doctor visits because she is slow in speech and has weak muscle tone. She didn't crawl until a year old and walking has been quite a lesson in patience for all of us.

Well, last week, she would stand up in the middle of the room by herself and we would all applaud! Then she would stand up and see if any one was watching. If not, she would applaud for herself and we would laugh and her face would light up with delight. Last night, she walked across our living room!!! Eight maybe even 10 steps! WE HAD A PARTY! Her big sister hugged her, grandma and granpapa clapped and cheered. She might as well have won the gold medal in a marathan for the joy we had in her effort. She would walk a few steps, almost fall, and catch her balance, and then walk a couple more steps until she crossed the huge distance between her and the distant horizan.

As she was struggling to walk, I thought how much I am like her. Trying so hard to go forward in my life. Loosing my balance, all most falling, and then getting my bearings again to continue. And how the Lord delights in my efforts! He knows the struggle it is to keep going. He also knows it is time for me to try. He has given me His love, protection, and instruction to be able to keep going. He knows I can do it, it is a matter of me knowing I can do it. And then I hear His laughter, joy, applause as I take those small steps towards what He already knows. My Future.