Our granddaughter, Elena, is now seven months old, and already her personality is evident.
For example, when she awakens in the morning, Elena plays contentedly in her crib for ten minutes or so. She chews on her pacifier from every angle, rolls around, practices her pike position, and plays with a snuggle toy or the zipper on her sleep sack. Elena may also struggle to crawl or even pull herself up into a standing position, in spite of the confines of the sleep sack. Eventually she lets the household know that crib-playtime is over and she’d like to be rescued.
The rescuer receives rich reward–a big 1000-watt smile, a few squeals of pleasure, and panting excitement at what the new day might hold.
And though she enjoys songs and stories, Johnny Jump-Up and toys, her favorite activity has to be dancing with her daddy. Eric, our son, has created a playlist specifically for this activity, many tunes from Disney musicals.
I recently had the pleasure of watching Eric and Elena perform this ritual. Eric tucks her firmly in one arm, while holding her hand out with the other. True ballroom style. And though they may begin with a gentle waltz, Eric soon takes off with gentle jogging and polka steps. He adds his voice to Angela Lansbury’s and David Tomslinson’s.
But the other morning, my pleasure in watching them dance turned to uproarious laughter, as Eric mimicked a few of the chimney sweeps’ moves from Mary Poppins. Knees rising high with each step, and dips in between, he marched across the dining room. Then with broad, high kicks he pranced in the other direction. Elena bobbed in his arms, beaming and squealing.
And I thought, O, Lord, this is such supreme pleasure–to watch a daddy and his daughter do a silly dance, reveling in the music, the movement, and each other. Do you, Father, take joy in watching us, your children, delighting in all the pleasures you’ve given? Surely so. Otherwise, why would you have provided spectacular colors, intricate patterns, and incredible variety in creation? Why would serendipity blessings suddenly drop into our laps? Yes, we need to keep pleasure in its proper place, and not let the pursuit of it consume us. But I glory in those delights you have ordained. And I worship you for your gracious love, motivating you to make us laugh and smile. Thank you, God.
From the Inside Out 
Okay . . . this is my very favorite thing of yours yet. What a beautiful sight – and you have captured it so well. Thanks, Nancy.
Thank you, Diana. Praise God for the moment and the words to express it!
This brought tears to my eyes, I knew just what you mean as some of my best moments is watching my daughter with her babies. I think I am in love with Elena too by the way you richly describe her. You’ve made my day today with your words!
Thank you, Jean. Aren’t babies wonderful–particularly when OUR babies are the ones caring for and guiding their own little ones. It is a RICH blessing of getting older. ‘So glad we (God, Eric, Elena, and I) could make your day!
Once again, you have painted such a beautiful word picture. I can just imagine them dancing. More pictures of these moments would be great!! Miss you.
‘SO agree about pictures! I asked Eric if we could recreate that moment for a few photos, but the timing just wasn’t right. Perhaps I can upload one or two later. ‘Delighted you enjoyed the WORD picture — without photos!
Thanks for the reminder that our Father encourages us to be delighted. It reminds me of the section in Nehemiah where the people were told to them” Do not mourn or weep …Go & enjoy choice food & sweet drinks, & send some to those who have nothing. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Neh. 8:9b-10 Some of us need reminding.
Thank you for the insightful comment, Patti. That verse, Neh. 8:10 is referred to often. But it is just occurring to me now: Why did Nehemiah (as inspired by God) say joy in the Lord is our strength? Why not faith? Or obedience? Perhaps because joy does rejuvenate the spirit in a unique way. Whatever the reason, praise God for the joy he brings to us in countless ways!
I loved this…it brought tears to my eyes as I pictured Eric dancing with his sweet baby girl! What a special Dad he is…this is a memory he will always treasure…I especially loved the way you tied it in to our walk with God and the reminder of how He delights in us ! A great reminder I need to take time to delight in His magnificent creation…and enjoy Him as He sings over me…Zeph 3 :17 !
Oh, yes! We enjoy Him and His blessings, He sings over us. Our human relationships offer a fitting picture. Pleasures are enhanced when shared with someone else; relationship augments the pleasure. The same principle applies, between our Heavenly Father and us. The better we know Him, the more delight there is to enjoy–for us, AND for God! Thank you, Lisa, for the appropriate tie-in to Zeph. 3:17!
Awesome! I used to do the very same thing with my nephews. I would hold them in my arms, twirling, dipping, spinning, etc. Then when my 2nd great-niece Brooklyn came along (who would only spend the night at my Mom’s home and her other Grandma’s home) and she was a challenge. When she got fussy and was fighting sleep or crying I would waltz her around Mom’s center counter to the tune of “The Skater’s Waltz”; I would hum it and slide like I was skating her around and she would quiet right down for me. So I can certainly relate to your story. A simple little thing like this tells me that God (knowing I would never have my own children) was blessing me with the joy of spending lots and lots of time with my nephews and great-nieces. And I believe He looked down at me with joy at seeing the pleasure that I was having with these beautiful children. Wonderful posting, Nancy!
Oh, yes, God looks down with GREAT pleasure upon you, Cheri, as you’ve invested yourself into your extended family. ‘So glad the post brought to mind those lovely images of “skating” with your niece!
Thank you Nancy for the precious time your Son spends with your granddaughter.
I meant to say for sharing the precious time. My fingers work faster than my brain.
You’re welcome, Laura! And I TOTALLY understand fingers that work faster than brains!