Denver, Colorado

When our son Jimmy and daughter-in-law Kayla told us they were pregnant (I liked the fact that they said “they” were pregnant) I immediately feel in love with my new grandchildren. Not only were they pregnant-they were having twins!

Now to be clear, up to that point they had done nothing to earn my love. They had not set in my lap, sang or danced for me, made me laugh, said their prayers before dinner, brought me coffee or called me my favorite name “PaPa”. Yet I knew I would do anything for them, and that was not hyperbole.

Why was I so madly in love with them? Because I felt that because we were family, they would carry some of me in them. A small part for sure but a part of me, nonetheless.

Now I could not help but think that is how God sees us. We have done nothing to earn his love, yet he loves you already and always with an everlasting love and he will do anything for you if you only ask. It has nothing to do with us but everything to do with whose we are. He made you in his image and he stamped his name on your heart. You carry a part of him in you if you know it or not. There is something of him in you if you will only look for it. You are his.

Having experienced it five times now it is a wonderful experience when your children have children of their own. Although I will not see my grandchildren’s lives to completion, I have this assurance that everything is going to work out just fine.

How can I have that assurance when the world seems to be so chaotic at times?

How can I know that my family is going to be, ok?

First, from personal experience in this sweet season of my life I have learned that in spite of my many mistakes, some BIG and some not so big, things have worked out just fine. Not just fine, but I feel like I truly have been blessed. I have learned that All things work to the good to those who know God and will walk uprightly according to His purpose. I believe the same for my children and grandchildren.

Secondly, each of our children believe there is a God and are walking out their faith to the best of their understanding at this point in time. Faith is a journey, and their faith will grow as they embrace that journey. How long will God take with you? He may take His time. His history is redeemed not in minutes but in lifetimes.

Finally, in my many years of travel I have learned that nations may not survive but righteous people will. I have been in situations where countries were ruled by evil men but if you believe that God is for you then who can stand against you. Remember that no matter where you go there is a part of God in you.

You are His.

Thanks for traveling with us.