I was sure I would enjoy being a grandparent. But who knew it could be SO great? So much satisfaction and joy on multiple levels. We’re looking forward to welcoming our second grandchild to the family before too long.
Many of you know that Patty and I are the proud and delighted grandparents of Rowen Grace Alderfer. This laughing little darling has brought so much joy, happiness, and fun into our lives (and those of the entire family) for being nothing other than who she is – a laughing, smiling, little human, full of potential.
Before she could do a thing, we adored her. But what increased joy and magnified wonder as we watch her develop! From a virtually helpless little one, she has begun to feed herself (a few little messes, but she gets the job done). She says words like Papa and Grammy – not perfectly clear or impeccable pronunciation, but we fully get what she is saying, and it totally melts and moves our hearts.
Her mother and father aren’t looking for perfection, and neither are we. Progress is the goal. As long as there is growth and progress, we are all encouraged and excited. Nate and Sarah, her parents, call us with enthusiastic updates when something new has happened. We are thrilled and can’t wait to see for ourselves.
Right now she is walking! Not perfectly, of course. She still loses her balance and topples over after about five to seven steps. But it doesn’t dampen our applause.
She has pivoted and turned around a few times. As we clap and celebrate her and her accomplishments, we can see her face light up with confidence and delight. She is doing something challenging, something brand new. She’s getting it done. The people around her, the ones she knows best and loves most, are happy for her and thrilled with her progress. So it doesn’t matter if she falls. She’s ready to get up and do it again.
Life is an adventure for her. Her confidence is booming – not because she is getting it all right, but she can sense she is expanding her wings, doing something wonderful and new. She doesn’t see not getting it perfect as a failure. NO – even if she falls on her first step, it’s no big deal to her. She has a pre-set decision. If she falls, she’s getting right back up and trying it again.
Rowen is setting an example for me in living life and walking with Jesus. Jesus has the same posture toward me as we do with Rowen. We watch her closely with love, and encourage and celebrate her. We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for progress and growth.
That’s what Jesus wants from us as we learn to walk by faith and not by sight. It requires an attitude of adventure, being willing to persevere, and to not let a temporary fall or setback stop us. We won’t get it perfect, and that’s not even the goal. The goal is progress and looking to our Father for His approval. It gives Him joy and us too.