The
past few days have been very rewarding for this grandpa. First, our
two granddaughters and son from Texas surprised us with a visit last
week. They were visiting South Florida so a phone call meant that we
would go pick them up and spend a day or so together. These girls
are growing faster than the months pass in the year. In the few
hours we spent together, there was a visit to the Natural History
Museum along with the Butterfly Gardens and Museum. Since these
princesses love their pizza, what better way to spend a meal together
than a mini-pizza party? Discussions were uplifting and
enlightening. The little ones asked many questions about their dad
and where he used to live and what he did when he was their age, six
and eight. It was a time for nostalgia as well as first hand
teachings. The evening was finished off with the girls talking
grandma into a nice relaxation massage, then off to bed. Up early
the next morning for return to the airport…very sad departure but
mighty exciting when they arrived in Texas. The airport was locked
down due to a bomb threat and from what I have heard; they whiled the
time sleeping and playing electronic puzzles. Yes, we miss them.
The time is always just too short!
So,
the evening here at home was very quiet and still. Spent Thursday
regrouping and preparing for our grandson to come on the weekend. We
have been looking forward to this visit for quite some time. There
was a period when we didn’t know if we would be able to carry on
our routine of a summer visit from him. It all depended on the
recovery of my injury. The blessings were generous – YHVH ensured
that I would be able to walk and participate somewhat in this teenage
boy’s activities. To top it off, his dad also came and decided to
spend the week.
Our
grandson and his dad will be staying the week with us! Monday was
mostly getting to know each other and catch up on all the events that
happened in a young man’s life from last summer. The next day,
Tuesday, normally is a day when our congregation volunteers to help
feed the homeless. Grandma mentioned this and both father and son
rose to the occasion. So we went to a nearby church where the
preparers and feeders gather. My son and grandson stepped right up to
help prepare and package the food. After that, they joined us
downtown for the passing out of the food boxes. Talk about two
people who fit right in! I don’t know for certain, but I say they
have done this very generous behavior before. Both of them expressed
how good it was to see this event taking place. Our son later
managed to materialize some much needed provisions for the Food
Ministry. What a welcomed blessing! In the afternoon, son and
grandson visited the museums while grandma and I returned to complete
our customary Tuesday work.Our behavior was very eye opening for
me. I will address this in a moment or two.
The
rest of the week is scheduled for some hands-on projects “in the
garage”. I won’t go into detail about brewing Irish Red Beer.
The details blow my mind, but I am so totally impressed! Today was
one of those “garage” days!. Tomorrow we plan to visit a nearby
theme park and let the teenager see what this old man can do! He
should have no problem watching me sit on a park bench in the shade.
I bet I can out last him! But who knows? We haven’t tested it yet!
Having the children
and grandchildren home is very heart lifting. Situations and habits
have changed over the years. We all get caught up in so much “stuff”.
We can find more reasons why we
can’t visit
and be family than reasons that we
must visit and be family.
Just as my son told me the other night, if we were to spend more
time together we would have less questions and more time to just be
with one another. So true.
Too often our visits
are for a quick meal and light table talk. Romans 14:17-19 tells us
“For
the kingdom of Elohim is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of
righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because
anyone who serves Yeshua in this way is pleasing to Elohim and
approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do
what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
In Colossians 3:12 we are told “Therefore,
as Elohim's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
The world dictates such a rapid
pace that we, even though we strive to not be of the world, just
being in the world we are influenced by this rapid lifestyle. Ralph
Waldo Emerson stated it simply: “Adopt
the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”
It is the patience of nature’s own Creator that guides ‘her’.
I am certain that my
family is not the only family on the fast track. I hear from many
who express dismay that they can’t see their loved ones more often.
A thing to keep in mind, for those of us who practice not being of
the world, we can become entrenched in our work to ensure we don’t
get caught up and led astray. Here is my eye opening experience:
Sometimes we can be so intent on doing the “right” thing,
following Torah, etc., that we do not afford an opportunity for
others to join with us in just being compassionate, kind, humble,
gentle and patient. It is not necessary to always be doing something
monumental and earth shaking, sometimes just sitting in the room and
being with someone gives tremendous heartfelt rewards. This is what
the Father asks of us. Trust in Him, be with Him and let Him take
care of us. Psalm 103 tells us that man will wither like grass, but
YHVH’s mercy is from eternity past to eternity future on those who
fear Him. His
righteousness extends to their children’s children; with those who
keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.
Yes, visits from our
children and grandchildren uplift our hearts. There is a special
glow that comes from just knowing they are in the house. This must
be the feeling our Father infers when He says He delights when we are
in His house.
Thank you Father for
the blessings you have bestowed on us the past few days; may these
days come more often, may they reach a point when there are no more
questions, only just sitting and being with one another, in Your
quiet peace. B’Shem Yeshua Meshikhenu, Amein!
Shalom and shalom
Pinchas
a/k/a
Frankly speaking all the time…
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