Family

As of September 10, 2009, I had one grandchild – Barrett Owen Chambers – the little love of my life.  On Saturday, September 11, 2009, - the day I married Gary -  I inherited nine more.  I, of course, knew these sweet souls and they knew me prior to our marriage, but after we were joined in marriage I was no longer Ms. Vicki.  I became Grammy, and each of those little hearts embraced and welcomed me in a way I never expected.  Of course there is no such title as “step-grandchildren” or “step-grandmother,” but even if there had been I think we would have rejected it, just as all other “step-titles” seem to have been rejected in our combined families.  Almost immediately each of them endeared themselves to my heart.  I am their “Grammy” and no one had better suggest otherwise! 

There are treasures within these little hearts.  I am so amazed that among ten grandchildren, there are no two even remotely alike.  Well, yes Mya is a princess and little Reyma aspires to be one – but they are princesses from different “tribes,” let us say.   Dean and Nolan kick their shoes off at the mere suggestion of a hip-hop song while flinging themselves to the ground, conquering moves that would hospitalize most of us; but their moves are personal, creative, and distinguishable.  Oh yes, Dean is clearly Dean.  Nolan is most decidedly Nolan.  Barrett is consumed with the “workings” of  choo-choo trains  while Jasmine’s passion is the dance.  Whether we’re addressing appearance, tastes, personalities, gifting, talents, viewpoints, likes or dislikes,  etc., it is amazing to me how very unique each grandchild is as a divine creation.

I thought of these little lives this morning as I was thinking about our friends and family in the Body of Christ.  Honestly, I could sit and listen to Alan’s passionate words about the love of God for hours.  I have watched Joe’s gentle heart and tender spirit, and have actually witnessed his Christlike transformation over the many years I have known him.  Gary’s intensity of heart for an intimate relationship with the Lord and his passion for the Body of Christ inspires me daily.  Mark’s tenacious action on behalf of the poor and needy truly humbles me.  Mike­­­­­­­­ goes through life feeling the pain of others as if his heart somehow miraculously resides and survives outside his body.  Sarah has lovingly taken orphans under her wing while Judy spends hours weekly interceding for others whose burdens she mercifully carries before the throne of grace.  Whether I’m contemplating the uniqueness of each grandchild or observing the distinctiveness of those who individually make up the Body of Christ, I am inspired by our Creator.  Everything  was spoken into being through the Living Word – our Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 1:16-17).  There is no end to the wonder I feel when I meditate on His creation, look at all He is, and declare with the Psalmist, “we are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)  That realization is surpassed only by the revelation that same Creator/Lord lives within each member of His Body.  It is a reflection of His life and the fruit of His Spirit that is evident through each of these lives; through them I more clearly see Christ.