My granddaughter is usually very exuberant and even easy going in personality. But, one day as she got in from school, I noted she was unusually quiet. I didn’t say anything immediately.

Later, after dinner and homework, I asked her how her day at school had been.

“It was okay, I guess.” And, I knew she was upset about something. “Are you being truthful? Or you just don’t want to share?” And, then the tears came. I waited and let her cry and told her I was here to help if I could.

She says, “Nana, I was insulted today!” I thought, “insulted, where did she ever think of that word?” But, I replied, ” what do you mean insulted?” She looks at me and says, ” I got really upset because I got made fun of.” And she continues, and it’s because of you!” “Because of me?”, I asked.

“Yes, because you do things for us and the kids were saying I’m a big baby because you do!” At this point my mind wanders to what I possibly do that would cause her such hurt.

She continues, ” they say I should make and pack my own lunches and not have
you write me little notes and help me with my hair and go over my clothes and check to see that I have breakfast and not help me with my homework when I’m stuck on something. And, they say I’m really a big baby because you pray with us at night before we sleep and tuck us in.”

“So what did you do?” I asked. “Nothing, Nana, I didn’t say or do anything to them, I just kept quiet. Just like you tell us, ‘choose your battles cause not all of them are ours or worth the energy or you know Nana, you tell us some aren’t worth our spit!'”

At this point, I wanted to laugh, but I didn’t and then I thanked the Lord! I just told her, “you did the right thing!” “I know, I know,” she responded, “but it still hurts.”

“Okay,” I told her, ” let me read something to you from the source of our strength.” “What’s that,” she asked. I read the following to her:
God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you…and say all sorts of bad things against you because you are His follower. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great prize waits for you in heaven…Matthew 5:11-12

“Really?” She asked. “Yes, really!”
She seemed satisfied with that as she skipped out to play.

Acceptance by simple childlike faith…oh how I need more of that!