I’m the girl who put on the Sunblock 50 and still got burned.
I put it on twice just like the label said.
Everyone else who went came home with a nice glow, but I was the one with the red stripes.
It was worth it.
Every summer we set aside one day for each grandchild. When they are all together it’s fun but chaotic, and a couple of them can lost in the fray.
Taking them one at a time means that we get to have a whole day centered around that one child.
Elle Day was a week ago and it was all about books. We stopped in the little used bookstore downtown to a big chain store. We colored. We snuggled. As much as I wanted to give her a BIG day, this little soul wanted a peaceful day to hang out with us.
It’s who she is.
She’s loved books from almost the first day she was born. She’s got her own style and she’s spunky, at least with the people she loves the best. God made her and knows her and He’s got a plan for this little girl.
For Luke, the day was not as subdued. We started with trampolines and transitioned to a water park, then rode a couple of rides at a small carnival we passed on the way home.
We stayed so long at the water park that I got burned and stripey, but it was fun watching him put his new-found swimming skills into practice.
He was high energy from the moment he came to the door on Saturday and was still going strong the next morning. I can only imagine how God will use this tender-hearted boy with too much energy.
We have four more special days this summer. Josiah is two and he’s already planning. It will be a non-stop day for certain.
Audrey is my sweet, laid back three year old and she’s happy no matter what we do.
Jane, four years old, is my other big adventurer. She grabs life by both hands. I already anticipate a sugar overload (something we only do on their big day, I promise) and lots of high-energy activity.
Caleb is only seven months old and I think he just may be the most laid-back child of all. He’s sweet tempered and smiley and while a couple of our littles fought bedtime like warriors, Caleb is happy to sleep if you put him down. We aren’t sure what Caleb Day holds, but I’ll treasure my time with him.
Why would you care about any of this?
I hope it’s okay to show you the people I love the best in the world, but there’s also a deeper thought.
Sometimes it’s just miraculous to think that God knows us so well.
It seems inconceivable. Improbable.
I could tell you the special things about each of these little people who have my heart.
The good things. The quirky traits already showing up. I know what they like to eat. I know their sleep routines. I can tell you that Josiah’s favorite blanket is blue, and that Caleb likes prunes . . . a lot.
How much more does our Savior know about me?
Or you?
And how does this knowledge impact us as we walk with Jesus?
Sometimes Jesus changed the names of people. Simon seems like a perfectly good name, but Jesus changed it to Peter — the Rock.
Peter resembled anything but a rock in some pretty crucial moments, but the One who knew the number of hairs on his head (Matthew 10:30) believed in him.
Peter became that Rock. Jesus saw it in him, long before anyone else did. Long before Peter did.
I see beautiful traits in my littles, but I also can’t help but see some traits that are works in progress.
Because I know them well I already see that strong will as potential leadership.
I see that desire for adventure (even if it means you get hurt ten times an hour) taking a couple of my littles wherever God leads, their heart open wide to their assignments.
I see a little one with a gentle spirit, so much so that she can get overlooked if we’re not careful, and already envision that one day it will be quiet, steady courage and a heart to nurture others.
When we trust that God is aware of who we are, we are free to step into the best version of ourselves.
We are assured that we aren’t lost in the fray.
We believe that He’s not comparing us to each other.
It takes the pressure off as we give ourselves a bit of grace as we grow into who He knows we can be.
I’m the girl that uses 50+ sunscreen and still gets burned. I’m the girl who has a tender heart and sometimes wants to fix the world, and has no idea where to begin. I’m the one who didn’t know her own grandparents — not really — but who delights in knowing my own grand babies.
I’ve got all kinds of quirks and I’m sure there’s a passel I don’t see. I’m strong. I’m a good listener. I don’t like the wrinkles showing up on my face, but I treasure the years they represent. I’m not as gregarious as others, but I love people.
Some days I’m a mess, but because He knows me well I can walk with Him and find my way back to my real self.
He knows us.
Let’s settle into that truth for today and rest in it.
It has taken me decades to come to understand that it is okay simply to be ME! My world has changed since the Holy Spirit has dispelled the darkness of low grade depression and now everything looks and feels so different. I’ve exchanged old distorted beliefs for the Truth of scripture and what Jesus says about me.
What a powerful testimony, Heather! Praying that God continues to grow you and show you the truth of who you are in Him. <3 Love the honesty and the hope in your comment!
Beautiful, Suzie! I love that you spend one day for each grandkid individually. What fun memories they will have of you! Spenong time doing what they want to do is so special. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to be what the world wants us to be and lose the unique, quirky person God created us to be. By letting them choose their version of fun, it’s as if your communicating to them that it’s ok to be who they are. This is something I want to do when I’m a grandparent as well. Thanks for sharing this special activity with us.
Enjoyed your post this morning! I have 5 grandchildren; “inherited” when I married my husband, but I love them as if they are mine! Thank you for reminding me that God knows me – inside and out – and loves me unconditionally!
In full-time ministry, I early on felt like I needed to fit a certain mold to “be in ministry.” It slowly drained every ounce of joy out of me. When I finally embraced who God created me to be, and wasn’t afraid to show myself to others and be REAL, the joy began to ooze back into my soul.
I love that you are loving your grandchildren in the way they each need individual love and attention, Suzie. It speaks volumes!
I’m so grateful that our heavenly Father loves truly KNOWS me and loves me for exactly who He created me to be!
I think you’ve hit on a really great issue in this. We can’t be anything but ourselves in ministry. If we come thinking we need to be something or someone else, we rob ourselves of the joy of allowing God to use us exactly as we are. Sure, we grow. Sure, there’s maturity and wisdom that we gain. But the core of who we are can’t be hidden, but allow God to use it however He desires! Love this, Crystal.
I love this. As I struggle with poor choices from 2018, not being able to pay bills, now as of yesterday jobless, God is reminding me that I am strong. Where I want to just go lay down and hide from the world – indulge in front of the TV The Holy Spirit is continuing to nudge at me to keep moving. He reminds me how strong I am and with Him “I” can and will be loved by Him for who “I” am! As I cry out to Him for my heart feels so heavy, I want to just lay down and cry – He puts wonderful little things in my path reminding me how we are all different and unique – little quirks, foolish choices, this post, that I need to be me. He has made me uniquely to do for Him! Thank you Suzie for sharing your uniqueness of your family. Thank you God for bringing Suzie and her family into my life. It has been an honor to meet them and to feel a part of their family. Thank you Lord for reminding me that I am loved and that YOU are using me – though I struggle sometimes to see it during the storm – I remember that when it is over there will be a rainbow. Love you Suzie.
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It has taken me decades to come to understand that it is okay simply to be ME!
My world has changed since the Holy Spirit has dispelled the darkness of low grade depression and now everything looks and feels so different. I’ve exchanged old distorted beliefs for the Truth of scripture and what Jesus says about me.
What a powerful testimony, Heather! Praying that God continues to grow you and show you the truth of who you are in Him. <3 Love the honesty and the hope in your comment!
57 years old and still trying to figure out who I am! Thank goodness God’s known all along! Great post! Cindy
Beautiful, Suzie! I love that you spend one day for each grandkid individually. What fun memories they will have of you! Spenong time doing what they want to do is so special. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to be what the world wants us to be and lose the unique, quirky person God created us to be. By letting them choose their version of fun, it’s as if your communicating to them that it’s ok to be who they are. This is something I want to do when I’m a grandparent as well. Thanks for sharing this special activity with us.
Enjoyed your post this morning! I have 5 grandchildren; “inherited” when I married my husband, but I love them as if they are mine! Thank you for reminding me that God knows me – inside and out – and loves me unconditionally!
Oh, how I love this!
In full-time ministry, I early on felt like I needed to fit a certain mold to “be in ministry.” It slowly drained every ounce of joy out of me. When I finally embraced who God created me to be, and wasn’t afraid to show myself to others and be REAL, the joy began to ooze back into my soul.
I love that you are loving your grandchildren in the way they each need individual love and attention, Suzie. It speaks volumes!
I’m so grateful that our heavenly Father loves truly KNOWS me and loves me for exactly who He created me to be!
I think you’ve hit on a really great issue in this. We can’t be anything but ourselves in ministry. If we come thinking we need to be something or someone else, we rob ourselves of the joy of allowing God to use us exactly as we are. Sure, we grow. Sure, there’s maturity and wisdom that we gain. But the core of who we are can’t be hidden, but allow God to use it however He desires! Love this, Crystal.
Thanks Suzie, This blessed my heart. It is amazing to stop & think about how & what God thinks about me.
Blessings,
Rayna
I think this is one of my favorite posts you’ve shared. It is so full of hope and delight at being known.
Thank you, Terri.
I love this. As I struggle with poor choices from 2018, not being able to pay bills, now as of yesterday jobless, God is reminding me that I am strong. Where I want to just go lay down and hide from the world – indulge in front of the TV The Holy Spirit is continuing to nudge at me to keep moving. He reminds me how strong I am and with Him “I” can and will be loved by Him for who “I” am!
As I cry out to Him for my heart feels so heavy, I want to just lay down and cry – He puts wonderful little things in my path reminding me how we are all different and unique – little quirks, foolish choices, this post, that I need to be me. He has made me uniquely to do for Him!
Thank you Suzie for sharing your uniqueness of your family. Thank you God for bringing Suzie and her family into my life. It has been an honor to meet them and to feel a part of their family. Thank you Lord for reminding me that I am loved and that YOU are using me – though I struggle sometimes to see it during the storm – I remember that when it is over there will be a rainbow.
Love you Suzie.
Praying for you, Christy. You are stronger than you know. Lord, keep your focus on a God who loves you so very much.