A heart overflowing with gratitude

     I am glad grandparent’s were a part of God’s plan for His children, even though I was not fortunate to have had such a relationship. 

     I vaguely remember my paternal grandparents Council and Mary Estabrooks occasionally visiting our family when I was very young. I have no memory of ever seeing my mother’s parents. 

     This past week I had the privilege of being part of Grandparent’s Day at our Kelowna Christian School, where daughter Karen, is presently teaching a Kindergarten class. 

     Bringing along the requested Rice Krispie squares, I soon found myself filling the empty chair of a boy Mark’s grandma, who lives in a country too far away. 

     What a joy to make conversation with him. I was amazed as I watched him carefully print on his sheet, answers to questions of what he liked about his grandma. 

     A full day of attendance at school for kindergarteners is now obviously producing some smart and capable kids. 

     Grandparents and children soon began making their way to the auditorium which, quickly filled to overflowing. 

     Classes from Kindergarten to Grade 5 each proudly gave a musical presentation to their doting grandparents. The welcoming words from the principal praised those who had come from a far distance and those who had even postponed travel plans just to attend their grandchild’s special, yearly school event. 

     He said, grandparents are true heroes of the faith — quoting Psalm 78: 4-7, “. . . We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done . . .so the next generation would know them . . .then they would put their trust in God.”  

     My buddy Mark Joseph, told me their school’s motto is “God First, Others Second, Me Third.” 

     What a great message to instil in children early in life. 

     St. Irenaeus — about whom it was said was an eye-witness to Apostle John — stated, “Faith is caught rather than taught.” 

     What a privilege grandparents have to show that faith through their love, prayers and living a godly example. 

          Next week, I will have the joy of seeing my youngest grandchild Ashton Brooke, walk across the stage to receive her hard-earned degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. 

     No doubt more about that in my next blog. 

     How often have we thought, “the world is sending our kids the wrong message!” 

     I was recently quite aghast to hear on the news of a little toddler, a three-year-old, being told by her nursery school provider that the cute sundress she was wearing was not acceptable. Too much bare shoulder showing, thus two inch straps or wearing a shirt underneath was required. What malarky!!!!!!!  

     Let’s let our sweet, little children enjoy their innocence and just be children for as long as they can. 

     I’m concerned, meanwhile, about the obvious lack of brains and warped thinking of those who are teaching and caring for our little ones, tomorrow’s future. 

     Someone by the name of John Gunther (couldn’t find much info on him), late in his life, offered this thought: “All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” 

     Quite a statement, with a small bit of truth in it!

     

     Breakfast, being my favourite meal of the day — and I believe in a healthy one — I’ve been leisurely enjoying it on my patio, of late.

     Basking in the early morning sunshine — feasting on the natural beauty surrounding me and with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I find it natural and easy to connect with the Creator, who just happens to be my Heavenly Father.   

     A question worth asking is, “If everyone behaved and believed like me, would I like the world that came to be, because of it?"

— beulah