I had just finished an appointment and was heading for the grocery store when she called. My daughter told me my grandson stayed home today with a sore throat, and she had to take my youngest granddaughter home with an upset stomach. She said she was updating me, but then she said the sick kids could sure use some of Grandma’s lugaw (Filipino rice porridge). I didn’t commit to anything and said I would ask.
I knew Grandma wanted to rest today, but I bought green onions and chicken just in case. When it comes to our grandchildren, the default answer is “yes.” She will complain, fuss, and give them (and the rest of us, an earful) when they want something, but the answer is the same. She will also scrimp, save, sacrifice, and plan so she can give them what they need. There is a price for Grandma’s generosity, as you might expect. She wants to be treated with respect; wants appreciation and (of course) hugs and kisses.
Good thing I bought the ingredients, because Grandma immediately began preparing to make lugaw, as she complained about the sudden change in her plans. She also told me to deliver it while it was hot so it would taste the best. That meant when I would normally be sitting down to my dinner, I was driving the 30 miles (one way) to bring the food. I called to let my daughter know I was coming, and my other granddaughter asked for money for lunch during their upcoming school trip. I had to negotiate with Grandma to keep her from giving the kids too much, but I knew they would eat well because Granma loves them!
That kind of love is what we see in our HEAVENLY FATHER! When “God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV), He set a high standard. Though we fail Him, is there a limit on His love? I’d say no, because “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8 KJV). “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things” (Rom 8:32 KJV)? That love continued through JESUS, even though He asked three times if there was another way than the cross, He said “not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42 KJV) and “he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil 2:8 KJV). But will He hear and answer my prayers today? JESUS said “if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7 KJV).
When the accuser comes against us, the reply is “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword” (Rom 8: 33-35 KJV)?
What does all this love cost? Nothing, it’s all paid for if you accept JESUS as your Lord and Savior. I knew there was a catch! Is loving the GOD who loves you so much, asking too much? Go ahead and love GOD with your all (Mat 22:37) like He loves you!
Wayne Lance (2021) – That’s Good News to Share!