CHILDREN: Pray for them to know where to turn for help

At the next right, turn left.

The pilot on my, Maps GPS, has a very distinct English accent. Her accent makes following her guidance refreshing. Best of all, she keeps me on the right path.

Yesterday, I was invited to a grandparent breakfast at my great-grandson (Mason’s) school; he is 7. While waiting in line on the sidewalk, another grandparent tripped on the curb and crashed to the pavement. I rushed over to be of assistance and Mason followed me. She was in great pain, but after several minutes she was able to rejoin the breakfast line. She thanked Mason and I and we returned to our place in line. Once in line, Mason took hold of my hand and said, “Grandpa, I prayed for that lady.” I praised him for his compassion. Then a lady in front of us turned to Mason and said, “That was so nice of you to pray for that grandma.”

Does grandparenting get any better than that? Rejoicing, I thanked God for piloting, so tenderly, the heart of a 7-year-old. There are other voices clamoring for our children’s attention, but they are led by one pilot, one captain and he is the enemy of their souls. He dresses up like an angel of light but knows no good. His advice for every path choice, “At the next right, turn left.”

After our breakfast Mason left me at the playground gate and scrambled off with his playmates. I stayed, watching him bounce in and out of all the children, until in the throng of kids, I could distinguish his form no longer. Already missing him, I turned to leave and prayed, “Oh God watch over him today.” Immediately, the lyrics of an old sacred song refreshed my being, saying, “His eye is on the sparrow so I know he is watching Mason.”

We pray not, that our children, grandchildren never face difficulty, but rather when difficulty comes, they know where to turn for help.

BOB HOLLIDAY

Hayden