A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

 

  

 

 

 

My grandson, Henry

Henry David Thoreau Daws
(the Thoreau is silent)

 

 
Hey, Father!
Volume XV, Issue 45 
November 9, 2015 
Some of the greatest blessings come when we least expect them...and when we need them most.
 
A few years ago, on Christmas day, Henry was born and our world forever changed. Beverly instantly became the loving, doting grandmother...playing with Henry, talking with him in jabberese, always ready to sweep him up in her arms.
 
I did a bit of that, too. But I looked forward to when we could speak something that more resembled a known language, when we could play together, and go on hikes in the woods. At that point in our relationship, he mainly looked at me as though I were from Mars.
 
Henry is now almost three years old, and there's a granddaughter, too...Miss Violet. While she mainly looks at me as though I'm from Mars, Henry has become quite talkative. And the best part is that he, little sister, mama, and daddy have come to live with us for a while.
 
Do I at long last hear a baby cooing in the early morning? Not really, and that may be due more to my poor hearing. However, I can easily hear Baby Violet suddenly yelling, which appears to be her new favorite pastime. But there's something else...something special.
 
Recently I had a long, frustrating day of being rejected for the umpteenth time by pastors, ministers, churches, and ministries who see no value in teaching their people how to encourage one another. I turned off the light in my home office and drug myself upstairs.
 
After trudging all the way, I opened the door and stepped into the hall. As I walked toward the kitchen, I heard a loud, "Hey, Seanair!"* I turned around and there was Henry. All smiles, he was truly happy and excited to see me. Immediately my frustrations became a distant memory.
 
Chuck and his grandson, Henry

I think that's how it is when we turn to God. He said He will always be with us, but we forget His promise. Often the demands and frustrations of the day get in the way. Sometimes---dare I say it---we simply take no notice He's even there.
 
But when we turn to Him...really turn to Him...I believe a huge smile rushes across His face. His eyes light up. Then He shouts, "Hey _________ (your name here)." Stress, fears, and disappointments fade as His joy fills us. And the world no longer has its tight grip on our hearts and lives.
 
I've experienced this. Have you? I hope so because life can be so hard. Making it from day to day, even moment to moment, can be such a struggle. Our world crashes down around us. And we forget Him...our Heavenly Father, our best friend, the light of our life.
 
There's something else. This relationship is a two-way street. God never intended that we only be on the receiving end. We should give to Him as He has given to us. So every now and then, do this...
 
Simply turn your spirit toward His and, with great happiness and excitement at seeing Him, let your heart shout out, "Hey, Father!" He will love it. I promise.
 
Father, you show me the true way of life and I am so happy to see you! (see Psalm 16:11, Acts 2:28)
Take care & be God's,
 
Chuck
 
* Seanair: Scot Gaelic for Granddaddy, pronounced as Shenner. And yes, Henry actually calls me Seanair. At first it sounded like Sinner, especially when he shouted it in public, but we've successfully moved beyond that.
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