Lessons from my Granddaughter
This Rocky Top girl recently traveled to St. George Island, Florida to vacation with our entire family of three adult children, their spouses and all four of our grandchildren. Preacher had researched to find a special adventure for our oldest two grands, Addy and William. A boat ride to see dolphins in the wild and a treasure hunt was booked.
When we boarded the small boat to travel on the wide open ocean, Addy chose to sit by me. As the boat began to travel the waves, Addy immediately began the hand holding. If I let go of her hand for even a second, she would lay her open hand on my lap as if to say, “Nonna, (what the grands call me) I need your hand.”
I wanted to enjoy the beauty around me but was mesmerized by Addy’s joy. Her entire face was consumed with a smile. She was embracing this adventure, the unknown, the uncertainty. The captain of the boat told us all where we were going, what we hoped to see and do. Yet, Addy had never experienced anything like this. With her small four year old hand in mine and life jacket secured she was content to embrace the adventure.
After we returned back to our rented home for the week, the Lord began to speak to me so clearly through my sweet Addy’s life.
- Donna, I never take my eyes off of you. You are my daughter. I take pleasure in watching you experience the life I have given you.
- You can embrace the adventure I have put before you with complete joy or you can choose to not trust me and make yourself and everyone around you miserable.
- I have given you a life jacket in your salvation and My Word. I will never allow you to drown in hurt, pain, shame, guilt, fear, rejection, and bitterness.
- My hand is always open for yours. You just have to ask. I delight in your weakness and your brokenness.
- You were made for adventure, Donna. You weren’t made for comfort and security.
The captain’s objectives were all accomplished. Dolphins jumping in the wild were seen. Arrows made of sticks were followed on an uninhabited island where X marked the spot of buried treasured. William and Addy uncovered the treasure chest by digging through the sand with their hands. Their joy seemed to culminate when the treasure chest was opened up to discover faux jewels, golden coins and sand dollars. So much fun.
Listening to the waves crashing on the shore the last night of our trip, this old hymn came to my heart.
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
I’m so glad I learned to trust Him, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that He is with me, will be with me to the end.
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me ‘neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ‘tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace.
(Written by Lari Goss, Public Domain)
My dear reader my prayer is that you choose to trust Him completely with whatever adventure lies ahead of you. He is faithful! In the trusting, the joy will come!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
