People were bringing babies to Jesus so that he would bless them. When the disciples saw this, they scolded them. Then Jesus called them to him and said, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children. I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a child will never enter it.”

Luke 18:15-17

Friday, January 7, 2021. One full week into the New Year. I have taken some good images this week, but today’s photo-Friday offering features, exclusively, our Miami family. Naomi’s pictures are that good and – yes – the grandchildren are that beautiful!

Originally, we had expected everyone for Christmas. Andrew, Alicia, and Mr. T. were coming from Bahrain, and then Naomi planned to bring her boisterous crew from South Florida. Of course, COVID nixed all of that. And so the telephone, the video calls, and the photographs have become all that more important.

Earlier this week, Naomi and Craig took the children to Disney, staying three nights at Saratoga Springs. True to form she sent lots of great pictures, just a few of which I’m sharing here.

The main point of this post is joy. Disney is advertised as “the happiest place on Earth.” But the truth is that the happiest place is always where there is a family experiencing love and commitment, where the parents offer their children a home rooted in faith and trust, and where a sense of security and belonging are foundational.

We live in an uncertain world. Our grandchildren, however – all four of them – are secure because they have no doubt about the love and the light and the commitment and the faith that holds their families together.

And that makes me a happy, joyful, richly blessed Grandaddy! – DEREK