Outstretched Arms

From the time I was just a little child, I wanted to be a mother, and have a baby of my own. My dolls were my children, but I dreamed of holding a real live baby in my arms. No mother was ever happier than I when I finally held my beautiful little baby girl in my arms. I thought no mother could ever love a child as much as I loved mine. And when I later had two adorable little boys, I felt my joy was complete!
 
But how could I have anticipated the rapturous enchantment my first granddaughter would bring me? Only a grandparent could understand the thrill of cuddling a darling little grandchild! I absolutely adored her! Her name was Heather, but I always referred to her as "my baby." I showered her with frilly dresses and toys and surprises. I was her complete slave, and she seemed to love me as much as I loved her. I lived for the times her mother would bring her to see me, and I used any excuse I could find to be with her. I was sure I could never love another grandchild as much as I loved her.
 
When Heather was almost three years old her mother had another little baby girl named Bethany. I was so worried that I would never be able to love her as much as I loved Heather, and even though I tried, she was still just not like my first grandchild. But one day when Bethany was five months old, her mother brought both little girls to see me. I remember walking out to the car to greet them, delighted to see them. First Heather got out and I hugged her, and then Bethany was taken out of her car seat. When Bethany saw me she started laughing and kicking her little feet and reaching out her arms for me to take her. My heart completely melted as I held that precious little baby in my arms, and I felt an indescribable bond of love and adoration for her! How could I have ever felt I could not love another grandchild as much as I loved my first one? They both became my special joys, for which I thanked the Lord.
 
Then I thought about my wonderful Jesus, and how He reached out His arms of love to me. He loves each and every one of us -- no favorites -- but I am included! I saw how His love created in me a tremendous response of love for Him. He showed how much He loved me by His open arms on the cruel cross. His daily care in answered prayer, and His guiding steps -- a daily fact -- helped me covet His love more and more and made me realize that this love brings me not only comfort in daily living but the promise of my eternal salvation. There could be no greater joy!

 

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© 2004 Betty Jo Mings. Courtesy of HeartLight Magazine (Heartlight.org).

 

Photo by Jamison Thies.