DATELINE WAKE FOREST – David and Beks rolled into the house like a cyclone, they immediately took over the entire downstairs, they found every basket of toys available, they covered every square inch of the living room with kid paraphernalia; and then, suddenly, all they really wanted to do was to be with Grandmama and Grandaddy.

So the toys remained unplayed with because there are books to be read, and there is pine-straw to be raked, ands there are walks to be taken, and there are more books to be read, and then there is food to prepare, and – of course – there are still more books to be enjoyed, together.

Later in the evening, after the spaghetti had been consumed and the dishes cleaned, and the kitchen scrubbed, there is the opportunity to make biscuits – “Angel Biscuits” – with Grandmama Rebekah. Rebekah is a “full-contact” teacher, so that means hands in the flour, flour in the children; hands in the dough, dough in the children; and flour… and dough… and more, all over the floor.

Eventually it is time to settle down, to read some more books, to enjoy a snack, to brush the teeth, to snuggle with the grandparents, to read a few more books, to share a night-time prayer, and then head off to bed.

Children are beautiful; they are hilarious; they are overflowing with amazing energy; they are full with generous love; they are passionate about life; they are sponges, ready to absorb everything; they are our teachers, too. And these two, David and Beks, they are our very own grandchildren, and we are blessed.

– In love (with them) and because of love (God’s love for us) – DEREK