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Since the birth of the first of our five grandchildren, I've kept journals for them. Written as an ongoing conversation, they document achievements along with encouragement and hope.
Among the pages are school programs, notes to Gram, some art pages, little mementos that the girls have likely forgotten about, but may one day become found treasure.
As life becomes busier the older they are, my entries are fewer; I admit they are tinged with a little more lament on how our time together has shifted.
From a worried first cold, wobbly toddler steps, trick or treat costumes, puppies and birthday parties, to soccer wins, homecoming dances and college plans, I hope these journals help give root, a sense of place, to these incredible young women.
The girls know about their journals. An occasional group browse through one has been fodder for some kidding around, but they always return the volume to it's appointed shelf in my office.
In one account, Addison, then age 3, set up a picnic on the TV room floor with her little green blanket and my emptied tissue basket filled with plastic food. She called me a couple times that the picnic was ready, and I said just a minute, while I finished up in the kitchen.
When I came in several minutes later, I found her taking the blanket back to the couch. I said, where's the picnic? Too late, she said, picnic is over! In that moment, I learned about hedging with her; too bad for me. I missed a wonderful picnic.
From Psalm 127:3-5 we learn about children being God's reward to us, and that they belong to Him, and are highly valued.
When the little children were brought to Jesus (see Matt 19:13-15) and He laid hands on them in prayer, the disciples rebuked those who brought them. They must have forgotten what He said about children: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
In Genesis 17:7 we also see that children of believers belong to God and are in His covenant with Abraham.
When I think about the girls taking their journals with them some day, I wonder if I'll be ready to turn them over. There are priceless memories in those pages, those little moments that evaporated too quickly into the blur of life.
It all comes back to trust and faith in God. As much as He holds me by my right hand, He holds their hands. He guides me with His counsel, and He guides them. He will take us all into glory (Ps.73:23-24).
And from Isa.40:11, we know He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers lambs in His arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.
I will continue to update the journals as long as I can. Whether the ink fades or the pages become crisp with age, it doesn't matter. Whether my mind fades or my hands become stiff with age, it doesn't matter. The girls will write their own endings someday. And God will still be there holding their hands.
Thoughts of Faith usually appears each Saturday on the Focus o Faith page. To submit a Thoughts of Faith, email jhoutman@mariettatimes.com