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Encouragement: Food for the Soul III"Therefore, encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing."by Linda Cook (Suggested Reading, Romans 12:9-21, "Rejoice with those who rejoice . . .") How many times in our life can we be new at something? Do we just drift through this world without planning how we are going to channel our energies? GOD forbid. In our last issue of Faith Lift, we focused on our teens, their perspective on their upbringing and their future as responsible children of GOD. In this issue's mentoring column, we will share our reader's thoughts regarding their mother's influence in their lives. Well, I simply must share my newest adventure in life: becoming a real GRANDMOTHER for the first time! Yes, very soon a new little bundle with "Cook Baby" printed on the bassinet is scheduled to arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is an event I never dreamed I would experience due to my health history. GOD is so good to me. Of course, I've done all the crazy things a grandma might do, like shopping for special things for the most beautiful baby in the world. Since we don't know if it is a girl or boy, I still have more shopping ahead. I love that! I've enjoyed thoughts of spoiling the grandchild and then turning him or her back to the parents to correct and train, feed, clothe, clean up after, all the mundane things of life. I so miss those mundane tasks when my children were young. Oh, but this time, this time I'll be free to just love. Wrong! I am taking my role very seriously. I want to be a part of training that little child to love the LORD with all his/her might, above all else. So, I plan to do encouraging things, right things, and to live as best I can to give this child a heritage of faith and a promise of a brilliant future. Back to my original question: "How many times in our life can we be new at something?" Only once. We are given one chance to do it right the first time. When I raised my children (the first time) I made many mistakes. Yet, I have always tried to do it GOD's way. Hopefully, I have grown in strength and knowledge that will enable me to do the very best I can, better than before. I do not plan to interfere with the baby's parents, who are very loving and capable Christians. Mark and Tracey are the light of my life. I do hope to teach my grand- children that they are loved un- conditionally. I may not always like what they do, but I'll always love them. I want them to know that seeking after GOD is the only way to get through this life. I want to share with them the wonders of the earth and later be with them in eternity where they can meet their Aunt Anna. Oh, what a joy that will be! Forgive me. The emotions I am feeling bring tears to my eyes. I just had to share with you all my happiness. Next issue, I plan to tell you the rest of the story. I won't be able to resist! |
