When you get older and your body really starts to complain in earnest about little things like lifting heavy objects that you normally don’t lift and stretching the daily routine of your normal physical activities, in getting ready for Christmas day, one can’t help but realize that time is marching on and one ponders about what lies ahead in the coming year. When you’re young, the focus is usually on what lies ahead but as you get into the twilight years, it also causes one to reflect.
So many things to be thankful for, so many realities that could have been so different, but for the grace of God. My wife and I were babysitting again this weekend and once again I had the opportunity to see the wonder that is displayed in young children. The energy that seems limitless, the questions that flow continually and the bewilderment of having little understanding in the ways that things work. Sometimes I just want to take them in my arms and shelter them. So much potential, so much to discover, so much to learn.
And if we feel that way about our children and grandchildren, how much more do you think that God has the same thoughts about us. Many times, Jesus deliberately made reference to how we as humans interact with those that we love and how our heavenly Father would obviously do even more (Matt 7:11 NIV).
I usually make it a point to specifically pray for patience and ask God to watch over and bless our family gatherings, so that He is truly honored and that I specifically don’t blow it with regard to over reacting. Things can get a little hectic when you’re trying to orchestrate a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for about twenty-two people, including the 7 grandchildren that range in age from four months to 20 years old. Anyone who doesn’t value the power of prayer hasn’t witnessed the difference that kind of a prayer can make. Coming from a military background, I have a tendency to like to see everything roll out in perfection, like clockwork, with no last-minute surprises. Sometimes the process of preparing this special meal can override the importance of why we are together, and the fact that we are together, especially when we’re older and our physical and mental abilities aren’t what they used to be. That’s where God comes in and it is amazing the difference that He can make.
Take the time to honor God and ask for His blessing and He will take care of the rest. I’ve seen it happen time and time again, out of chaos comes order, out of resentment comes reconciliation, out of separation comes oneness.
Philippians 4:6 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!
Bruce Cooper is a disciple of Jesus, married to Peggy, with 5 grown up children, 7 grandchildren. He is retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and resides in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. a.k.a. “Papa.” To read more of Bruce’s work visit Reasoned Cases For Christ.
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