A week ago, my husband and I with our 5-year old grandson took an early morning trip to conduct business nearby the church. After that we stopped at the small busy restaurant across the street from our church. We, of course didn’t think much about it, but, when our grandson recognized where we were, he exclaimed, “Nana, there’s the church, we’re by the church.” I didn’t respond but continued driving and finally parked at the restaurant parking lot.
Our grandson was so tickled that we were near the church. I really didn’t think much of it, and as we were seated in the restaurant and the waitress approached us, our grandson stood up on the seat and pointed to the church, and with glee and pride, told her that the building across the street was our church.
She turns around to look at it and then asks him directly, “And, what do you do there?” He immediately replied, “we work for God there.” She seemed somewhat baffled and responded with “Give me a high five!” And, he did.
Later when paying the bill, she told me, “I didn’t expect that response from your grandson. And, it moved my heart. His response told me a lot about you and your husband.” I just stood there, looked at her and began to tear up and told her, “You just don’t know how much that means to me. You just encouraged my heart!”
Her words were timely, I needed to hear them. And, I realized that God spoke to my heart through someone I didn’t know. She had no idea what I had been going through. I had been asking the Lord, am I doing right by my grandchildren? Do I expect too much from them? I had been asking for help and guidance in the how of teaching them with constancy but more so with love.
My answer was there; given to me by a stranger. Someone who recognized from the mouth of a child, what I didn’t “see” for myself. I am impacting my grandchildren. My grandson’s response was an encouragement to a stranger who encouraged me. The Apostle Peter wrote; ”whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11
ritasalomon 