For 21 times in the past 12 years, I have been a lady in waiting-- waiting for the phone call telling us a new grandchild was on the way or had already been born! This week I have been once more a "lady-in-waiting," ever since my stepdaughter informed us of her baby's "imminent" arrival. Little Maddie is due September 9th, but first babies mostly defy that deadline. Not wanting to discourage the family, we told them we would pack our bags and be ready when they called with directions to the hospital. Still we wait.
What a blessing grandchildren are! As we have watched them developing their distinct personalities, a unique sense of humor, and observed them relating to their parents, siblings, others, and us, we see the hand of God fitting each one into His design for contented families.
How startling to discover that David has his grandfather's cowlicks, or that Douglas inherited Grandma's "bird" shaped ears; that the darling brunette has turned into a stunning curly headed blond! Jeffrey has been "grown up" and very serious about his future life since age 2; by age two, William displayed the most advanced vocabulary and maturity! John, Alex, and Thomas are master Lego builders with creativity in engineering design that boggles our old brains! And the girls are truly feminine wonders, creative at work and play! The very much non-identical twins are best buddies. The youngest ones smile their biggest smiles for Grammie and Grandpa, and we are totally in love with all.
What will this newest one be like? And the little girl coming in November, and the mystery one coming next April? Ah! The joy and anticipation of a lady-in-waiting!
Psalms 127 and 128:
1 ¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
1 ¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.
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