Nana On Duty

It is late.  I am tired.  But I will share briefly what is on my heart.

Our daughter and son-in-law are enjoying a week away celebrating their 5 years together.  Amazing to think it’s been half a decade since my husband walked her down the aisle.  I have always found writing to be like a pressure valve in my life.  When things are challenging or emotionally charged – I write, reflect and pray God helps my perspective become more aligned to His.

We are keeping our two adorable grandchildren for 8 days.  Norah is 3 and Bradley is 14 months.  I was thrilled to be able to invest in our daughter’s marriage in this way.  Allowing her to go away without a worry or concern as to the well-being of her children is no sacrifice at all.  My Mom and Mom-in-Law did this so many times for me.  In fact, our marriage stayed strong in large part because of their investment of time in caring for our three children when they were small.

However, I didn’t know when I said, “Yes” that I would have low grade vertigo.  I didn’t know my husband would have a very long day at work including dinner out.  Nor did I know my daughter who is still at home would be working so much.  The result – Nana On Duty – nonstop with very little rest.  My day began at 5:45a. after getting up with the other one at 2:45a.  I must admit I’ve struggled to keep my attitude right.  I’ve given in to grumbling and complaining to my husband over the phone.  All he could do was apologize, nothing more.  And I knew that.  It’s true – misery loves company, and I was trying to host a big event right in my own living room.

But God helped me as He always does when I take the time to listen.  I had all but forgotten the message I heard at our church on Sunday.  The title – Servanthood.  Christ is our example who came not to be served BUT TO SERVE.  As soon as I heard my Father say those words I knew what I had to do.

Stop.

Repent.

Rejoice.

The last hour has been better than the entire day.  And as I tucked Norah to bed, she put her arm around my neck and said, “Nana, I love you!”  I’m grateful beyond words to hear those four little words, especially since I know more than anyone else who I would be apart from God’s constant work in my heart.

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This Nana loves being on Duty, and I will continue to tell myself this fact when I’m struggling to believe it.

How do you serve your spouse and/or your children day in and day out?  How does this effect your affections towards them?  More importantly how does God help you?