Grandparenting with prayer

By Barbara Weigt

Several Months Ago I took my two-year-old granddaughter, Brittany, on a trip that involved several hours of flying and a change of planes in one of the world's busiest airports—O'Hare International.

When some of my friends heard of the plan, more than one commented that I was a "very brave" grandmother. The thought of having undertaken something that was perhaps more adventurous than I needed, caused me to question the wisdom of my decision. So I prayed for God's direction, and it seemed absolutely right to continue plans for the trip to see my mother and let her enjoy her great-granddaughter.

Whenever I board a plane, this thought comes unbidden to mind: "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27). It happened again, as Brittany and I settled into our seats on our first flight together and I prayed for a peaceful trip for all of us.

Another idea came gently, like a reprise: "Everlasting arms of Love / Are beneath, around, above." I was immediately comforted by the thought of those arms not just underneath, but all around and above. The words are from a hymn that goes on to say, "Safe in His encircling arms,/ He will keep us all the way" (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 53).

The flights, plane changes, time-zone changes, and the entire visit were happy and without difficulty. I hadn't needed courage to make the trip—just a firm awareness of God's arms of love all around us.

A few months later, I took the same flight—plus a five-hour car journey. This time I was with my daughter and two grandbabies. And I was able to build on that earlier experience.

Again, Brittany handled the flight, the drive, new relatives, and bedand time-changes very well. She was an angel. But by the time we'd completed the return car journey, she had had enough. When we arrived at the home of yet more relatives, she flatly refused to get out of the car and go into another unfamiliar house.

For parents (and grandparents), this kind of thing can be very embarrassing and frustrating. One often feels at a loss to know how to cope with a child's strong will and emotions. I prayed again, knowing that our dear Father-Mother was in control, loving each individual involved. The words of another hymn, a poem by Mary Baker Eddy, came to mind: "O gentle presence, peace and joy and power" (No. 207). I claimed that gentle presence of God right with us at that moment.

I continued to pray silently. I thought of the promise in the book of Isaiah that God would "gently lead those that are with young"—including grandmothers.

Spontaneously, my daughter suggested she and Brittany go for a walk. As the rest of us relaxed on the patio, I continued to pray silently. I thought of the promise in the book of Isaiah that God would "gently lead those that are with young" (40:11)—including grandmothers. Although it had been a long day for all of us, I knew that God's faithfulness wasn't time-sensitive. It doesn't just evaporate—least of all when we're feeling exhausted or running out of "cope."

Within a few minutes, Brittany returned, skipping happily alongside her mother. She was ready to go into the house. Soon she was curled up in yet another unfamiliar bed, fast asleep.

How grateful I am for the power of prayer in every situation. There's no way I could enjoy grandmothering without it!

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SENTINEL WATCH

Stand firm—for everyone's sake

October 21, 2002

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