Today my pastor continued a sermon series about “living in spin” — buying into the lies that permeate the world. He concentrated on the phrase “I am what I am,” noting that the Bible says we are who we are, but God is trying to make us better. During his sermon, he talked about what he and his wife have taught their kids as a result of who they are individually and as a couple.
Tonight, I’m thinking about that. I wonder what Grace is learning by watching her mother and me. This is some of what I hope she learns:
- what it means to earnestly try to follow Christ with all her heart
- what it means to be loved
- what it means to love someone else
- the most important things in life can’t be bought
- she’ll always be my daughter
My wife has started calling our daughter “Amazing Grace.” She usually throws the nickname out there after Grace flashes one of her irresistible smiles or lets loose an effervescent giggle.
I think about the nickname every time I walk by a picture of Grace in our hallway. She’s lying on her stomach with a blanket resting on the top of her head and running back toward her feet. She has one of her arms outstretched like she’s a flying superhero. I can’t help but think if my angel was a superhero she’d be called Amazing Grace.
Grace has changed me much like God’s amazing Grace. I’m interested in different things now than I was before she came. I treasure time at home more and would rather be there than on the road. She makes it harder to leave home when I do have to travel.
I think I’m able to better love others because she has taught me to love in a new way. She melts my heart with nearly everything she does. I love that she tries to stay awake until I get home. When I walk through the door, a smile erupts on her face. I love when my wife carries her and Grace continuously moves her head left and right trying to see me. I find joy in the small things people do.
Grace, I’m glad you’re here. I love you.
