Swinging Into Christmas

I spent this extraordinarily warm November morning with my two-year-old grandson, Owen. When he arrived, his mother (my daughter Sarah) was rushing to get his big sister to Parents' Day Out and herself to a dental appointment. I met them in the driveway, kissed Quinnie and told her to have a great day, and gathered Little Man into my arms. We watched and waved from the front porch as Mommy and Sissy drove away. 

Owen was glad to be here. He felt cozy in my arms and happily greeted Grammy (my mother) and Dodaddy (my husband.) Totally at home, Owen was self-assured and ready to begin his established routine. Throughout the morning, he played guitar, built a drum set with our old “Linking” logs, fed the chickens, and picked the few remaining peppers and raspberries from the garden. And, of course, he took long turns in each of the swings that hang from the maple trees in our front yard. 

As I pushed him in those swings, I smiled, pondering how much fun Christmas will be this year. At two years old, Owen already knows what he wants and has complete faith that we are here to give it to him. His confidence in himself and us is absolute. All will be well. Boo-boos will be kissed. Tummies will be fed. And swings will always be swung. 

And that’s when it hit me. The one thing I’d most like to put on my “Grown-Up Christmas List” this year is child-like faith! Faith that I am loved. Faith that the good things I wish for will come to fruition. Faith that I can rest secure in my Good Father’s arms and know that, even though my swing has swung many, many times already, He will continue to push me “just one more time.”

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14.) While I am no longer close to being a child in years and have many grown-up fears and doubts, my wish this season is to enter the holidays with the faith of a child, trusting my Good Father to give good gifts to each of us who ask (Matthew 7:11).

Want to join me? Race you to the swings!

Reflect and Respond

• What does CHILDLIKE FAITH mean to you?
• How have you seen God's faithfulness in taking care of you in the last year?
• Do something today that brings you joy!