“Just wait until he says your name!”

Nancy’s comment was an eager attempt to give me a glimpse of the delight I could look forward to as a grandmother. I was still relatively new in the role and she had a few years experience. Like so many things about being a grandparent, I did not yet understand the magnitude of the words she spoke.

But now . . . Samuel, who just turned one, has eyes that light up with recognition when he sees me. James who is almost two just recently moved from calling me “Naa” to “Nana.” (I love both!) Jonathan, almost three, exclaims “Nana’s here!” when I knock at his door. With each expression of recognition I think my heart will explode.

Last month, I had a birthday. Leah called and while we talked, Jonathan asked for the phone. “Happy Birthday Nana!” he said. No prompting, no suggestions from Mommy, just the heart of a little boy. Silent tears rolled down my face. I have watched these sweet boys move from imitating their parents’ words, to answering questions about “Who’s got you?” to acting on their own recognition and love for me. I am abundantly blessed.

What a peek into God’s heart! We learn to say the name of Jesus, pray at the prompting of a preacher or teacher, and sing praises to Him at church. I think that surely makes God smile. But when we speak His sweet name without prompting, acting on our own recognition and love for Him, oh how it must please Him! I hope so. Happy Birthday Jesus! We love you!

We are all well and pray you are too.

Merry Christmas!

Marilyn and Jerre

JP, Samuel, Leah, Jonathan, Stephen, Kassi and James