What is Joy? A deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment, something causing such a feeling; a source of happiness, an outward show of pleasure or delight; rejoicing!
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalms 28:7
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Psalms 32:11
Other than my relationship with the Lord, there is no greater joy in the world in my opinion, than grandchildren. One cannot tell someone about the joy of grandchildren.One must experience the joy to know what a grandparent is talking about.
I loved being a mom but being a Nana is a blessing beyond my expectation. It isn’t as the old adage says that grandchildren are better because they can be sent home. Being a Nana allows me a growing friendship with my grandchildren that isn’t the same as with their parents. The boundaries of Nanahood are much different from those of motherhood. I enjoy closeness with my grandchildren that I have never experienced before. I am the soft pillow they run to. I want to teach them that Nana is always there to cuddle, and encourage. That Nana will always listen and is very interested in what they have to say.
In the presence of my grandchildren, my soul finds refreshment... joy! My wonder in life renewed. Their tiny hands are a sure comfort when folded in mine. Playtime on the floor with my grandchildren is like a walk back in time. I also see in them bits of my own sons and relive those happy days again.
God is good to allow this special time of life to witness the cycle of human life repeat itself. In a way, an extension of mine and Greg’s unending love. In my grandchildren, I find continuity of life, joy and a completeness that takes me by surprise. It is said that grandchildren nourish the soul and I’ve found that saying true. Some days I may feel old but in the company of my grandchildren, I am once again very young. They are my reason to laugh, play, and act silly. I even find myself giggling again and singing childhood songs that my mother taught me as a child. When I am with them I find, once again, all the simple pleasures of life. Joy.
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” - Psalm 92:12-14.
Love, love, love this posting! Wow, Gina.....you are a very good writer!!!! I am so happy you and Greg are experiencing the same feelings of joy that Don and I felt and experienced with your two boys.....life certainly does repeat itself in many ways.
ReplyDeleteNow, when you become a Great Grandmother....it is just another level of Pure Joy !!!!!!!