Here’s how “talking” with the grandchildren usually plays out:
- The phone rings; it’s our daughter, Naomi: “There’s a little boy here who keeps pressing your picture on Skype! Do you have a couple of minutes?”
- Me: “Go right ahead. We’d love to say hello!”
- The connection comes through. Our grandson is beside himself with delight. He laughs loudly at the screen and grins. Then he scurries off to grab a toy to share, parks it directly in front of the computer (likely as not it’s Rex from Toy Story), laughs and grins again, then disappears.
- So we talk with Naomi and Craig instead. Once in a while, we’ll catch David looking up from his latest game, smile from ear to ear, checking to see if we’re still there.
Next, baby Rebekah comes on. She’s nothing but smiles. Her mother is obviously delighted.- She recognizes us now for sure. We’re nothing but smiles. We’re all obviously delighted.
It’s good, yes, but we can’t wait for Christmas, or that outside possibility of a quick plane trip to Connecticut.
We need the hugs; we need three-dimensional play; we need bedtime stories; we need to occupy the same space. We’re very thankful for Skype; but there is so much more to this relationship, and we want to take it to the next level; we’re beside ourselves with anticipation.
WORKING ON THE CONNECTION: Communication can be like that with God, too. Only it feels like something very much more than Skype, and sometimes far less, all at the same time.
For me, Sunday morning worship with my WFPC faith community goes a long way to lifting the experience, bringing God into clearer focus, and narrowing the gap. I’m transported, in a way, and I enjoy a taste of the flavor of the Kingdom because our collective embracing of God brings the divine presence into focus.
It’s a lot like the sentiment expressed in the anthem I heard our choir sing when I was a child; “Heaven came down, and glory filled my soul!”
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 122)
Glory. Peace, love, hope, joy, gratitude, and glory. That’s a powerful testimony to hold on as we open this week of Thanksgiving.
– DEREK
You’ve said it very well! I’ve been trying for several weeks now to find the words, the expressions of my heart to say what I feel and how I feel. The emotions are there but the words escaped me until now. I feel empty and depleted in my spirit when I’m not around faith believing Christians. What I once did in the decadent life and lifestyle no longer satisfies my soul or wantings. I crave more of something that had been elusive and out of my experience. When I go to church I now go to be with my family of worshippers of Jesus Christ who are looking for a better way of self expression and doing it to the glory of God in our lives. My brother Derek you once again gave me the insight to find the words I needed to say. Your wisdom is God”s gift to us in your ministry. Matt. 28:16. Thank You!
I can so relate to this post, Derek, except that our four grandchildren are in high school and college, so physical time together only happens now at holidays. My church family fills that need for conversation, connection and simply enjoying watching children grow. Thanks for sharing a look into yours. Delightful, for sure.
Thanks! God teaches us in so many ways, and takes care of us too.