“Most” of my best material for writing each week comes from things that our grandkids say…anyone who’s been around a toddler knows that every conversation is bound to include a mispronounced word that makes us chuckle…or some profound truth their developing mind is putting together…discovering something “new” every day in nature and adding vocabulary words as language comes…

We have four grandchildren and each one is very unique–rightfully so–because that’s the nature of God. He created us to be individuals…not cookie cutter people who walk around like robots or puppets being “controlled” by a master. I don’t have favorites–that’s a huge no-no in grandparenting–but it doesn’t mean that I don’t pick up on the funny little things they say…or in this case, endearing.

When our youngest lil ga Siss–as her parents lovingly nicknamed her–began talking I noticed that often she purposely would (still does) walk to one of her parents, look at me or my husband, and say in as much as an empathic voice a two year old can muster “that’s my momma”…”that’s my daddy”….It was precious to hear the first time and it still grabs at my heartstrings every time she goes through her lil spiel…usually accompanied by patting their shoulder or leg depending on being held or her desire to be “close”.

Her practice of making everyone around her know “who” these important people are in her life is priceless. From the time she was born, her parents have made sure she’s loved, protected, challenged, disciplined, and taught along each stage of development. Watching her learn and develop has been pure joy and thus, has me reflecting on the relationship between me and my Heavenly Father.

Psalm 71:5 says “For You are my hope; O Lord God, YOU are my trust AND the source of my confidence from youth”.

Like our son and daughter in law who have been entrusted with Mylah’s care…my Heavenly Father is over me…He surrounds me with good things. He loves me unconditionally. He has protected me in the past and I trust He will continue to do so for many more years. Even though it has been hard at times, He disciplined me…along with life lessons taught through people or scripture. I like to believe that He is well pleased with me, even on my worst days.

I wish–like little Siss–that I could lovingly pat my Father on the shoulder or sit on His lap while whispering “that’s my Daddy” as people around me gaze at us with love in their hearts, too…the same kind of love that swells inside me every single time Siss assures herself and onlookers exactly WHO her daddy and momma are….

No, I can’t physically “touch” God in a way that points or tells people who He is to me…but thankfully, with creative writing…with words and actions I CAN accomplish showing off my Daddy….giving Him praise for everything He has done for me, for my family, for friends. Like little Siss who is growing through the various stages of childhood that will usher her into being an awesome adult, I am being transformed from glory to glory as I gain deeper understanding and love for my Heavenly Father.

So, come with me to a family gathering. We are all standing around. Laughter fills the air…aromas of party food float through the room…God’s presence takes over every activity and conversation until it’s  quietly interrupted by a gentle whisper from someone in the room…”that’s my Daddy”. And we all look to see “Who” that precious person is….