Have you ever received a package that was beautifully wrapped and then when you opened it up, it was something that you had no interest in having? Or on the flip side, did you ever receive a gift that was poorly wrapped and you weren’t really expecting anything special but was in amazement by the gift?
Yesterday, I went and watched my three grandchildren for about six hours. I have to admit I wasn’t really looking forward to this experience. Driving for 45 minutes to get there and then spending time changing diapers, picking up toys, and mediating disputes just didn’t sound like what I had in mind as a good time. I have to admit I wasn’t looking forward to this experience and would have rather gone to play tennis.
Well anyway, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed being with these three little people. Most of the day was spent listening to them play with their toys and using their imaginations. My four year old granddaughter created a bus out of a car seat, mattress, and a baby high chair. She spent hours talking to her baby dolls and getting them prepared for the bus ride. My five year old grandson played with his transformers and talked quietly to them. My one year old grandson found some match cars and tried to place them on top of a train that he found.
As I sat next to my grandson watching him put his head on the floor and pushing his train around furniture, I realized that I am truly blessed. First of all, I am young enough to truly enjoy my grandchildren and second I have the opportunity to spend time with them. The lack of active grandparents in my own life has convicted me about the importance of being present in my own grandchildren’s lives.
Spending time with my grandchildren and realizing they are truly a blessing brought a new understanding of how some situations may look like a burden but are special gifts in disguise.