Written by Jane Larsen, Director of Connections, Legacy Coalition
Several times a week, our son and daughter-in-law bless us greatly by sharing photos and videos of our infant granddaughter. Their Dallas location is much too far for this Iowa Grammie, although we are finding ways to connect and I’m thankful!
Just recently, a video they shared had a profound impact on me. The less-than-sixty-second video was simply this: our son holding Melia during a church service, with beautiful worship music in the background.
The first time I watched it, I smiled watching her little face and listening to her little sounds. The second time I watched it (because you know we watch every video over and over!), I noticed something entirely different.
All of a sudden, I had a new heart’s desire. Before I share it, what I saw that second time was so precious and powerful.
For starters, our son was holding his baby girl in church, on a Sunday morning.
When so many young adults are not connecting with a local faith community, I’m thankful our son and his wife are leaning in. They understand the value they will gain from being part of a ‘faith family.’ I thank the Lord for this.
It’s also giving us great hope for our sweet Melia knowing she is going to have others in her life, through that community, who will help her know how much Jesus loves her.
Others will come alongside her mom and dad as they seek to raise her for the Lord. Seeing her little baby self rocking in her dad’s arms so content gave me a deep sense of peace. I’m thanking the Lord for this.
One more important observation the second time I watched the video: in the background, the worship team’s lyrics were “Your goodness is running after me, with my life laid down, I surrender now.” Whoa. Truth!
The goodness of the Lord is indeed going to be evident in her young life. Our prayer is for Melia to love Jesus when she is young and understand it is good and wise to surrender our lives to Him. That moment was just such a big vision for Melia. I’m thankful to the Lord for this.
That short little video did a whole lot in my heart. I had not yet given much thought to what it will be like to worship the Lord with Melia. I now look forward to worshipping our Lord and King with her someday.
What a joy it will be to see her delight in worship through music, through God’s Word, and as she hears Bible stories.
Whatever the Lord may have for our family, my new heart’s desire is to go to church and worship our Lord with little Melia. Worship is something we will do forever, and I know it is a sweet glimpse of eternity with Him.
I joyfully anticipate our first Sunday together at church. I’m pretty sure Melia’s parents will let this long-distance grandma hold that sweet little girl. I plan to sing gently in her ear. I imagine I’ll get tearful.
It will be precious and holy, to stand with Melia before the One who gave her life. To praise Him for her life and to pray for her and with her will be a treasured time. Grandma perks for sure.
God is so good. He is so good to me. I’ll be praising His goodness for sure.
6 thoughts on “A Grandma’s Heart”
Great article!
I really liked the post, the sentiment, and the blessing. I found myself wanting to watch the video. Alias, missing for what I suspect are privacy considerations.
Love the post.
Amen! As a Grandma myself, I want nothing more than for my grandchildren to know and love the Lord. As a matter of fact I just put out a podcast episode about that very thing called “Nurturing the Soul of Your Grandchild”. May God bless you, Grandma Jane, in your role as a long distance grandparent!
What a beautiful thought. How blessed that God gave you that insight and is prompting you to be intentional about joining in worship with your granddaughter in coming times. I love the thought of singing a message for her heart into her little ears.
It’s my FAVORITE when our girls, sons-in-law and grandsons can all sit together in church. Bonus if it happens to be Communion Sunday. That’s all I’m asking for on my 60th birthday next year!
Jane, what a beautiful thought. I’d been saving this in my email and just read it today! Powerful! Thank you, Sister! God bless you and your precious little Melia!!!