Just Kids

In the last few weeks our nation has faced a serious financial crisis and an emotion-packed presidential election. When I was shopping today I heard two women commiserating about the “hard times” we’re living in. I too could be tempted to fear (an emotion I’ve often had to work hard to conquer). Then one of my grandchildren runs to me, “Grandma, Grandma, would you read me a story?” “Grandma, Grandma, play the piano please!” “Grandma, Grandma, sing me a song!” Suddenly my perspective changes.

Our daughter Monica, her husband Madhav and their three children, Josiah, Micah & Mercy recently moved in with us. They will occupy the third floor of our old house while they wait for their Maryland home to be sold and a new home purchased here in Pennsylvania. It’s lively having a 4 yr. old, 3 yr. old and 2 yr. old in the house again (oh, and they are also expecting another baby in January!), but the simple trust of the children reminds me daily of the unwavering confidence that should characterize children of God.

My grandchildren do not fret about money or politics. They believe that their parents will watch over and protect them. And that is precisely what their parents do… they love their three so much. The children’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being is paramount to their dad and mom.

How much more then must our heavenly Father care about us, His children that He adopted into His very own family? As fiercely as Josiah, Micah & Mercy are loved by their parents and grandparents… that must be just a tiny fraction compared to the amount of love our Lord feels toward His kids… you and me!

Ahhhh… how good to rest in the peaceful assurance that the God of the universe is looking out for us! And in light of what we know He is preparing for us, how can we get too upset about the temporary problems of the here and now?

I ran across a couple of interesting quotes from Saint Cyprian who was a Christian bishop living in North Africa in the second century A.D. He lived in tumultuous, uncertain times, similar to today…
“It is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and good people who have learned the great secret of life. They have found a joy and a wisdom which is a thousand times better than any of the pleasures of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are Christians … and I am one of them.” (St. Cyprian, 200-258).
He also wrote, “The Kingdom of God is drawing nigh, my beloved brethren. The reward of life, the eternal joy of salvation, perpetual gladness, the lost paradise – this is what we shall inherit when this earthly life passes away. A heavenly, eternal glory will replace vain, worldly pleasures. Is this any time to be despondent or fearful? What room is there here for anxiety and solicitude? Who, in the midst of these things is trembling and sad, except he who is without hope and faith?”(excerpt from his treatise, “On Mortality”)

So, I read a book, or play the piano with my grandchildren. And as I do, I remember that “Papa” God is watching over me too! And if I listen real hard I think I can almost hear Him singing me a song!