Graduation…

Last week, our oldest granddaughter graduated from high school. In a couple of weeks, she turns eighteen. As she walked with her diploma in hand and waved to us, a memory flooded over me.

I remember the time I was going over to her house. I had been told to just come in when I got there. As I opened the door, I yelled “CC is here and ready to play!” (CC is my “grandma” name. It stands for my initials, Cheryl Candace. John had called me that since we got married.) Right away, I heard a bunch of baby laughter. Maggie came rounding the corner, crawling as fast as she could and giggling all the way. It was the first time I knew that she recognized me by the sound of my voice. Of course, I scooped her up in my arms, delighted to see how happy she was for me to be there.

Over my morning coffee, I realized since John’s death, I haven’t always been happy to be in God’s presence. But I can visualize Him scooping me up in His arms. My new goal is to become joyful and comforted to be with Him once again knowing He is delighted for me to be there.

Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice!”

Do you remember the first time you realized God is delighted to be with you?