Over the years Susan and I have been given many blessings from GOD. These were definitely because of His grace (unmerited favor). We did nothing to deserve them, but they continue to bring joy to our lives. These are some of our “bundles of joy.”
The first of these “bundles” is our daughter, Rebecca. Our one and only child, everything she did as a baby was special to us. The first “American” born into Susan’s Filipino family made her an immediate celebrity. At every stage of her life Rebecca was smarter, more beautiful and more capable than we ever were and never ceased to amaze us. She was a loving child and as she grew up was obedient and loved the LORD. As we encouraged her to do things we hadn’t done, we discovered she was creative and talented in art, music and singing. Because she grew up in Church and attended Christian schools she sang Christian songs, much to our delight. Susan said her love for Rebecca was second only to GOD. I asked where that leaves me and she said, “Be glad you are still 3rd!” I understand her because when Rebecca was growing up, there wasn’t anyone I would rather hang out with. After marrying a fine Christian man, she gave us three more “bundles of joy.”
We lived overseas (Moscow) and that made the arrival of our first grandchild all the more dramatic. Rebecca’s in-laws helped her through her pregnancy, when all we could give was our prayers. Isaiah (Peanut) made his debut a month early. We flew to Texas a month later and he was still an adorable little fuzz ball. Grandma and I spent as much time as we could with him and were pleasantly surprised at how well Rebecca took to motherhood. He was also the first “grandson” in Richard’s family that will carry on the Jimenez name. We watched Peanut do all the wonderful “first” things in pictures and followed his antics by e-mail. We returned on leave and tried to catch up on the things we missed, but it was never enough. Rebecca felt a little neglected with all the attention and gifts that went to our favorite (only) grandchild! I slipped to 4th on Grandma’s love list.
Two years later another “bundle” came along. Sophia also came early, so we missed her grand arrival. She was special from the beginning, with her blond curls and “non-brown” eyes. Grandma and I hurried back to get in on the fun. Peanut enjoyed being the “big brother” and having someone to play with. As Sophia grew, she adored her brother and was soon able to hold her own when Peanut got her upset. Our “favorite” granddaughter inspired more pictures and exciting stories that kept our attention, and left us begging for more. Now Grandma and I had one each, when we visited. Sophia was part of a perfect set. Now I was firmly in 5th place.
We were soon surprised to find another “bundle” was on the way. We also missed her arrival, but that gave her time to get ready for the loving we would give her. She was unexpected by us but was never unwanted. Olivia (Little Bit) was like the icing on a cake for me and Grandma. She gave Sophia the chance to be a big sister and was an alternative playmate if Peanut got too big for his britches. Olivia always seems so tiny and has a beautiful smile that stands out when the older kids are trying to look grown up. As the other two got bigger, she gave us someone to hold onto for a little longer. Now I was definitely in 6th place with Grandma.
With these “bundles of joy” we learned to love each one over time and because we showed love to them, they responded in love toward us. Our relationship could fall apart some day and they may push us away out of anger or because of a disagreement.
As much as we love our daughter and grandchildren there is another “bundle of joy” that outshines them by far. For GOD so loved us He gave us His son; JESUS died for our sins before we knew or loved Him; and the HOLY SPIRIT is our comforter in time of trouble. The joy that “bundle” gives us will never end and we will always be in 1st place on their love list.
Wayne Lance