UNCOMMONLY COMMON!

Lessons can be learned within each chapter of life's story if we will just listen to the storyteller – God.  Again, God reveals His great love through my grandson, Jude. 

A conversion van named “Rosie” is new to our family, but, not new to my life.  I have known her for 14 years.  She and I first met when the gospel trio I sang with, Southern Charm, purchased her for our traveling needs.  Yes, I name my vehicles and when I became the sole owner of “Rosie” the name she received back in 1999 stayed with her.  I promise there is a reason I am telling you about “Rosie”.   She is now also a part of Jude’s life; she is his ride to preschool.

So, since “Rosie” is a big girl, I have to arrive early to Jude’s preschool to get a parking space she fits in along the curb.  A few days ago we arrived early and just took in the scenery as we waited for the opening of the door to learning!

Waiting in the van I glance out the front window and see fluttering going on in the shrubs.  “Look, Jude!  There are sparrows!  Do you see them?”  I watch for his eyes to glisten meaning he has found what he was searching for.  “Yes, Granna, I see them!”  The lesson begins...  

Jude is facing forward, very still and has a concentrated stare toward the shrubs.  He then makes a very serious statement, “I have to face this way, Granna, so the birds can see my hair.  I want them to see I have hair like them.”  As you will see in the picture of Jude, his hair is very much in style with the bangs up in the front.  Although a sparrow's hair doesn't stick up that much, I still hear God.  Through this child’s eyes God has shown me once again how all of His creation is connected with a story to tell.

This Bible scripture is a portrait of love and provision as Jesus speaks of a little sparrow; “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:30-31.

If God loves and takes care of even the little sparrow, how much more will He take care of us?  Just like the sparrow, we all have needs and God is our provider; uncommonly common.

The door to preschool opens and Jude runs in to learn.  I leave in “Rosie” having already learned.   Driving away I have a smile on my face and am praising God for His provision!

GIVING HIS ALL!

It is amazing to hear Jude pray for others from the depths of his soul; makes me want to be more aware of the needs that surround me.  Today with Jude as our exercise leader it is a miracle my body survived!  But, it did and we had fun!  Oh and his laugh is so infectious and always makes me feel better... and smile.

Another day with Jude is guaranteed sunshine!  Today beams of sunshine are bouncing off the walls!  Jude is here!!!

After PawPaw cooked breakfast with love we sit down to enjoy the meal and each other.  He cooked eggs, bacon and biscuits; Jude chose biscuits and bacon!  Yum!  I told Jude, “We need to pray.” I was referring to thanking God for this wonderful meal!  Jude’s thoughts were somewhere else; his soul…

He prayed, “Heavenly Father, Thank you for my daddy.  Help his knee to get better and help him to put ice on his knee.  I love you, Jesus.  Amen!”  Every morning before breakfast Jude always prays thanking God for our food.  Apparently, he had a deep concern for his daddy; he had injured his knee while training for a marathon in memory of Briley Faith, his daughter, Jude’s little sister.  Normally, Jude is ready to dig into the breakfast plated in front of him.  Today, his daddy mattered more.  His thoughts were directed off of himself and on someone else.  Many times we are so concerned about what desires and even problems that are “plated” in front of us that we miss opportunities to “exercise” prayer; a helping hand for others.

So, our day continues and Granna has this great idea to exercise to music.  WHAT was I thinking?  Jude was the exercise leader!  I asked him what song he wanted to use and he said “Power In The Blood!”  This is one of many gospel songs I recorded with my dear friends and ministry partners, Diane and Karen.  Our group name is “Southern Charm” and we sang together for 17 blessed years!  It warms my heart that my grandson loves to listen to us.  So, I take a deep breath ready for my exercise leader to begin our workout.  Oh my body…

As soon as the first note jumps through the speakers Jude is sprinting across the room.  From the couch to the kitchen tagging the refrigerator and back again, over and over.  His little legs won’t stop or even slow down for Granna!  Tag the fridge, run to the couch!  Tag the fridge, run to the couch!  Thinking he might give me a cute answer, I ask him, “Jude, what is the name of this exercise?”  Matter of factly he states, “Running!”  Duh!  The song ends.  Relief!  What?  He wants another song?  He said only fast songs?  Breathe, Granna, breathe…

He chooses “What A Beautiful Day”.  It is more of a medium speed; I can do this!  Now he wants to go around and around holding hands.  Okay, easy enough.  Again, I ask the question, “What is the name of this exercise?”  He immediately says, “Ring Around the Roses!” The song ends and Jude presses on!  “What’s the next song, Granna?”  “Oh, there is a next song?  You want to keep moving?  Really?”  With excitement he exclaims, “Yes!”  I didn’t know he had so many gears!  Again he accelerates giving his all!  As I’m watching Jude exercising his little body, mine finally begins to give in to sisters, “Push” and “Pull”!

While I’m looking for an easy listening CD another fast song called “God Did It!”plays.    My heart is pounding fast, my steps are slower and I’m thinking, “Can Granna do it?”  I can for Jude, and I did.  Here we go again in full force from the couch to the refrigerator!  Uh oh… looks like he’s pulling a new one on me!  Now he is running sideways crossing his legs over.  “Jude, what’s that exercise move?”  He says, “Football!”  Yep, it was an exercise that I’ve seen football players do.  Hmmm… he might be ready for the Razorbacks sooner than we think!  Following my leader, Granna does these sideway sprints!  He is running hard and giggling at the same time!  Probably laughing at how my body tries to catch up with itself!  I’m feeling we need a cool down song…

Finally, the song “Rest In Me”; the cool down begins.  “Do this, Granna.” I look over and Jude is moving his arms like a bird flying.  Ahhh… my kind of exercise; slow and easy on the “old”.  Good one, grandson.  “What is the name of this exercise?”  I was not prepared for the answer to be so true to sight.  “Wings!” he says.  Surely he didn’t get the name of this exercise from seeing the extra cushion on my arms waving in the air as I’m trying so desperately to fly! 

Jude was better than any trainer or exercise video I have ever had!  He gave me reason to press on and give my all; my love for him. 

We ended with another exercise that is a little different but much needed for the mind; learning scripture.  “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”  Proverbs 17:22  We laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed some more!    

My soul is full from a child’s prayer, my body learns about pressing on, and I am mindful of the joy God continues to bring.   My Jude gives his all; soul, body and mind giving Granna many smiles!