A Napkin and a Kleenex

This has been a blessing of a week. While their mommy was away helping Veterinarians learn better how to care for God’s furry critters, this Grammy (aka, GaGa) filled in at home with the grandbabies. Though 100% love and effort were shared, an age-old adage proved true — ie., Mommy is irreplaceable!! I did, however, score better in the “napkin and Kleenex” category — ie., any port in a storm!! Actually, for me, the “napkin and Kleenex” were clear reminders of my (and your) Heavenly Father’s presence and love for all of His children on earth.

Strategically, I had to devise a plan of how I could get enough ounces of freezer, breast milk down the baby to keep him hydrated. This tactical maneuver centered in graham crackers and milk go hand in hand — more hopefully hand to mouth!! Since my 10-month-old grandson refuses any liquid in a bottle or cup, I knew a simple direct bottle approach would be futile. However, graham crackers are his favorite food. My thesis (maybe flawed but definitely successful) was eating graham crackers in large amount would make Baby Elijah thirsty; and being thirsty would make him drink mommy’s milk from his bottle.

Before I pat myself on the back for this genius strategy, let me confess an unlimited amount of graham crackers for an infant, most definitely, produces baby mitts, face and hair caked in sticky, gooey, graham cracker mess. What’s more, when baby decides he’s had enough wearing his food, GaGa becomes his napkin. He wants no part of a washcloth or wet wipe. Transferring his mess to his GaGa Napkin is his way (and his only choice) to get clean. After all, rubbing on love best wipes the stains away!!

During my week, I sensed God sharing a parallel between graham crackers and mankind’s sins. We, God’s children, so often make a “graham cracker” sticky mess in our lives; and, yes, God best wipes our sins away. May we not hesitate to choose God, not a worldly source, to wash us free of the mess engulfing us.

When difficult moments arrived and tears filled my grandbaby’s eyes, he needed his GaGa’s arms to pick him up and vanish his fears away. GaGa became his Kleenex. He wiped his tears away by snuggling on my shoulder. Once more, I realized God stands ready to do the same for me and you. In every storm He is our port, waiting to hold us and all our fears, wipe our tears away and shelter us within His loving arms. All we need to do is cry out to Him.

Mommy is back home. I’m relieved of my fill-in role. I thank God for guiding me through this week’s tour of duty. With even deeper gratitude and praise, I thank God for never going off duty from being the greatest of napkins and Kleenex for me and each and every one of His children on earth.