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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Surprised (09/06/07)
“Oh, Kenny! I almost forgot. Grandma got something for you today.”

My three-year old grandson could hardly contain his excitement as I raced up the stairs to retrieve the gift. I knew his little face would be scrunched up in an ear-to-ear grin, making his cheeks look like bright pink ping pong balls. I heard him jumping up and down and clapping his hands as he hollered up the stairs. “Grandma, I’m so excited. I wonder what it is. Ooh -- I can hardly wait.”

Kenny’s unadulterated enthusiasm was infectious. I knew what the much-anticipated gift was, yet I, too, was grinning from ear-to-ear with the thought of my grandson’s obvious delight in the unknown present he was about to receive.

I walked slowly back down the stairs with the treasure hidden behind my back. Kenny’s curiosity had him straining his little neck, like a turtle popping out of its shell, in an attempt to see what I was carrying. By the time I reached the bottom step and withdrew the present from behind my back, Kenny could no longer control his excited squirms.

Before he even fully saw what was in my hands, Kenny was clapping and squealing again. “Oh, thank you, thank you, Grandma. I love it.”

With sparkling eyes of wonder, Kenny gingerly took the gift from me; a block puzzle with pictures of sea mammals, purchased at the fish ladders we visited earlier that day. The size of the souvenir didn’t matter to Kenny. The little boy with a room full of toys at his house, and a room full of toys at grandma and grandpa’s house, was genuinely thrilled that he had received an unexpected gift from someone who loved him.

As I watched my grandson’s animated display of amazement, I marveled at the pure joy of a child. Where did my childlike wonderment go? Why does the unexpected usually panic me rather than excite me? Why do I need everything in my life to be controlled … ordered?

Rather than be cranky when the alarm goes off in the morning, concerned about real or imagined worries of the day, I should greet the morning with demonstrative enthusiasm. Thank You, Lord, for Your beautiful creation. Thank You for all the blessings in my life. I can hardly wait to see the plans you have for me today.

Rather than screening calls to avoid annoying salespeople and ill-timed interruptions, I should run to answer the telephone with the eagerness of a teenager waiting for a call from their first love. Who’s on the other end, Lord? A family member or friend wanting to chat? A telemarketer needing to hear the voice of Jesus through me?

Rather than dreading the arrival of the postman, fearing more bills, I should sprint to the mailbox looking for that random piece of good news. A graduation announcement? A wedding invitation? A “Just Thinking of You” card from a friend?

Rather than thinking, Oh no, what’s wrong now? when one of my sons calls while I’m trying to accomplish some “very important task,” I should praise God that my boys still want to talk to me. “Hi son … no, I’m not busy. What’s up with you? Really? That’s great.”

Watching Kenny that day, I realized that I’m missing out on so much that the Lord has to offer to me – everyday. God wants me to start each day with excited anticipation of the unknown, and then squeal in delight when He reveals His awesome plans for my life.

Lord, forgive me for my adult ways. Forgive me for thinking I have to control my life. Please help me to become childlike in my amazement and wonder of the blessings You pour on me. Amen.

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was Your good pleasure. Luke 10:21 NIV
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This article has been read 1787 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Dee Yoder
09/15/07
Right on! I love the insight and enthusiasm in this entry. My husband and son laughed when I bought myself a rocketship cup from a resaturant we stopped at on my way home from the Writer's conference, but it was too cute, and it was red, and guess what? I love my rocketship cup! When I put my ice tea in my special cup, I feel like a kid. I feel happy and like life is an adventure. That's why I love this entry. To see life through a child's eyes is a perfect way to be excited about life again!
Jan Ackerson
09/17/07
Excellent!

I like the parallel paragraphs toward the end that all begin with "Rather than..." Nice touch.
Joanne Sher 
09/18/07
Much to like - and learn - from this piece. Your descriptions, especially in the gift-giving, are very engaging!
Dianne Janak
09/19/07
Being a new grandma of triplets ( 7 mo.) I eagerly await what I know will happen... lessons taught from them to me.. and the joy of seeing life once again through the innocence of a child.. you captured it here... I want that kind of open heart to hear God speaking to me through all the little happenings of the day. Great writing.. and good reminders! Dianne
Loren T. Lowery
09/19/07
This has so many good insights to ponder, that I'm reading it as a devotional. A very relevant devotional for me. Thank-you for sharing.
Jacquelyn Horne
09/20/07
Wonderful story/devotional. Very good advice here.
Dianne Janak
09/20/07
Congrat Sheri! I knew this deserved a win! Celebrate today and know you deserved it!
Janice Cartwright
09/20/07
What a delightful devotional, more than worthy of your win. Congratulations! As Christians Jesus rejoins us to recapture the wonder of our childhood and your story about your grandson is an excellent reminder.
Kristen Hester
09/20/07
Bravo. This really spoke to me and convicted me today. Thanks for the blessing. Oh...and CONGRATULATIONS!
Sherri Ward
09/21/07
Thank you - this is a great reminder to appreciate and show enthusiasm for what God does and gives - and not be controlled by fearful thinking. Whenever my husband mentions travel, instead of anticipating a wonderful adventure I immediately worry - what will we do with the cats, what about this, what about that...
LauraLee Shaw
10/07/07
In the hum-drum of a rainy day at home today, this really inspired me. Thank you for reminding me why I should jump off the computer and get down on the floor with my kids right now. Beautiful insight!