I was gazing at our one-year-old first grandson the other day, and I just couldn't avert my eyes. Why should I? His deep baby-blues are just like his lovely mother Michaela's. Later I took an international poll and he was voted the world's cutest baby. Okay, I exaggerate. Just a little.
He's a brand-new human, fresh and lively, and there is something so captivating about a child's innocent face and his constant discoveries. I have to say that noticing a subtle resemblance to my son and me is a transcendent feeling.
As any new baby, he's outfitted with an open heart and mind. In between circling back to the security and warmth of his mother's embrace, he charges ahead - eyes, mouth and hands-first, exploring anything and everything. He looks at me with the same curiosity, and I am able to coax a toothy smile as he remembers my face and remembers that he trusts me.
I am so humbled by this.
With our own kids, fatherhood was of course all new and frankly, terrifying. How could Colby and I not feel the weight of this great responsibility? Our babies came without an instruction manual or even a warranty. Over time we adapted and learned, but in the process, we certainly made our share of mistakes.
People always say that grandparenting is all fun with none of the work. Yes, this is mostly true and I've never been a big dirty diaper fan, but there is more. As with any new season in our life, it's teaching time. As Beckham explores, I am doing the same. His first year in my life has been splendid and euphoric, but also deeply spiritual.
Maybe even a bit of do-over?
Don't get me wrong, I loved being a Dad, and I still do. But over the years the pressures of life took a toll, and I paid it. Thankfully grace abounds in our family, and if we humbly circle around and hang in there, Abba Father will continue His good work. With our grandson, in this heart of mine, it suddenly seems fresh and new.
Now I've found another little boy again, and it's me.
I watch my son Taylor as he works so patiently with Beckham, with a simple joy while staying deep in their moment. They both are trusting, tender, kind and funny - just like our own Heavenly Father. I am amazed and so pleased. And I'm taking notes.
How strange, it seems like role-reversal. They both are modeling fruits of the spirit in their new relationship, and it's affecting me in such a good way. Jesus was so right about letting the little children come to Him.
Mathew 19:14, 15
“Let the children alone", he said. "Don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.”
Who knew a one-year old boy could teach this old guy so much?
About the Author
Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.
He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.
