Saturday, July 20, 2013

LITTLE SOLDIER!

Before I begin, I want to say “Thank you!” to my son, Josh and daughter-in-love, Crystal for teaching Jude the good that matters.

As most grandparents, I love just sitting and having chats with my grandson, Jude.  I get these opportunities often because I watch him every day; such a blessing.  Our talks are not at any particular time or place; I’ve learned just an ear will do.  Some days these special talks are at the breakfast table and other days while sitting on the porch, taking a walk or even riding in the van.  So, he starts and I listen. 

This particular morning’s conversation started as we were eating breakfast and continues to this day.

With a piece of bacon in one hand and a biscuit in another, Jude leans toward me, looks me right in the eye with a serious excitement and says, “Granna, you know where me, mommy and daddy are going to move?”  Since mommy and daddy just returned from a mission trip to India, I’m thinking, “India? uh…  oh my!  Or Colorado?”  (I don’t know why that one came to mind).  So, to end the beginning of sadness brought on by the unknown, I ask, “No, I don’t.  Where are you moving to?”  Immediately he says, “Heaven!”  A deep breath enters my soul with sweet gladness.  “I’m moving there, too!”  He continues to eat his breakfast as I look upon what I should be; a soldier bold.

The heavenly home conversation continues…

A couple of days later he approached me and said again, “Granna!  Me, mommy and daddy are going to move to Heaven!  Are you going there?”  Smiling, I replied, “Yes, I am!”  He then asked me, “Am I going to beat you there?  Am I going before you?”  My heart aches at the thought… “I don’t know, darlin’.”  As Jude runs off to play I sit ashamed that I lack that boldness.

The way home…

Another one of my favorite things to do with my grandson is movie time.  Probably because I enjoy him sitting nestled up to me and watching him empty the popcorn bowl at lightning speed!   We are watching a good Disney movie called “Return To Neverland”.  At one point Peter Pan is flying high in the sky.  With much excitement, Jude exclaims, “I’m going to fly like that!  I’m going to fly just like that!”  Thinking he was talking about being a super hero, I said, “When?”  Once again with that un-relentless boldness he says, “When I go to heaven!!”

Although I am in the Lord’s army, sometimes just staying at the “camp” seems easier; fewer encounters happen there.  Yet my 3 year old grandson, this little soldier with such boldness for Christ is already fulfilling his purpose; telling others, telling me…

You see, at my age I should have already been camped out for a long time at the front of the enemy line shouting, “Guess where I’m going to move?  Are you going there, too?”  Instead of being in the comfort of my camp, with that un-relentless boldness I need to be bringing many to the assurance and comfort of God’s grace.

Thank you, Jude, God’s little soldier, for helping me make my way back to the front line sharing with others these reminders through the smiles you bring.

Porch time with Jude.