Early Morning Football

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God 1 John 3:1

I don't really care what anyone says there is Nothing greater or better than the Love God has for His children!

A few summers ago I was blessed to be able to spend some time with my grandson (yes I said grandson...I know I still look like a kid myself...it's one of the benefits of walking in God's Love LOL) But I really learned a lot about my relationship with God through that short time I spent with my grandson that summer.

Our first few days together were really fun. That's when he discovered that Grandma and PawPaw weren't pushovers like someone else who will remain un-named (*cough*his mother) , but after that it was all good. In no time at all we were chasing each other around the house. One of his favorite items was a football that he carried around with him everywhere. Early one morning when He and I were the only early birds stirring we played a short game of football,

I'm all for entertaining little kids so I let him believe that he could actually tackle me and knock me down. He would laugh hysterically as I would fall in slow motion after being hit by him. After twenty minutes of tackling me over and over again, he decided that he could fall in slow motion better than me, so it was my turn to hit him. Over and over again it was "Ready...Set...Hike!" he would hike the ball and then wait for me to hit him...and then he would fall in dramatic slow motion...he fell better than those guys on those NFL films.

Finally I had to tell him that PawPaw was tired and had to take a break. He said okay...and then five minutes later he came back again asking if I was rested enough...and I told him not yet. Another okay and back again five minutes later. This went on all day, and I managed to elude our football game...that is until 6:00 the next morning when I thought I was getting an early start on the day. I came downstairs and walked through the living room...still half awake...headed for my morning cup of coffee, as I rounded the corner into the family room, I heard some stirring, I looked up in time to see my grandson getting into position..."Ready...Set...Hike!" and then he charged in my direction...forcing me to resume our football game. I couldn't help but smile and laugh as he laughed uncontrollably with each tackle and fall. After 45 minutes we were both tired and we took a break so PawPaw could fix some breakfast.

For the duration of his stay with us, I was greeted each morning with our friendly game of football, and to be honest I really looked forward to those precious few moments, in fact I had gotten so used to them that it took a couple of days to adjust after he had left...I would walk through the family room waiting to hear that familiar "Ready...Set...Hike!" but he was gone and my little football excursions were no more. I really did and still do miss our little football games, as well as the conversations over breakfast. Conversations like...

Isaiah(grandson) I'm the Boss!

PawPaw: No PawPaw is the Boss

Isaiah: PawPaw annnnd Isaiah is the Boss? (with sheepish grin)

PawPaw: No...PawPaw is the Boss (with finality)

Isaiah: pauses and thinks...then smiles and says " PawPaw is the Boss!"

or my favorite...

Isaiah: PawPaw I'm a pimp (with a big smile on his face)

PawPaw: (shocked and thinking of a few choice words for his father later) Boy you aint hardly no pimp!! (double negatives allowed when in scolding mode)

Isaiah: Yes I ammmm (still smiling)

PawPaw: Boy the only way you are a pimp, is if that stands for I still Pee In My Pants!

Isaiah: I don't pee in my pants (laughing)

PawPaw: Then you are not a pimp.

Isaiah: Okay (big grin)

That summer everything became an adventure, I began to see things from his eyes as I watched his reaction to things he was seeing and experiencing for the first time. I even got a kick out of watching his mother, who joined us later, revert from being the serious hard working single mom to merely being an excited little kid doing simple things like feeding the animals at the zoo.

As I watched them both, smiling and enjoying themselves I found myself reflecting on yesterday when all of my children were small and how I learned to cherish the time we have been blessed to spend with each other. More importantly I began reflecting on my relationship with God...and how in the same manner that I was pleased to see my own children and my grandchild happy and blessed, that likewise He(God) is pleased when we are enjoying life and the blessings He has provided for us, but even more than that, He enjoys spending time with us.

Since that Summer my own personal time in prayer reading and fellowship has taken on new meaning as I now realize that just as I looked forward to those small football games...that God also looks forward to those moments we spend together...just sharing...sometimes I don't even have to say anything I just linger there in His presence. It also made me aware that just as I was missing those little football games after Isaiah was gone..that God misses me during those times I get so caught up with business, ministry and all of the other things that fight for my attentions/affections.

God really does Love us, and the story of the Bible from start to finish is about a God who longs for fellowship, I realize that somehow we tend to miss that fact and dwell on morality, and rules and regulations and commands and in so doing we miss the very heart of God. When was the last time you just relaxed and spent some time with God...not asking for stuff or being a blabbermouth...but just spent some time with Him, being happy to be with Him?

I want to take the time to encourage you today, and let you know that God really does Love you....yeah You! More than anything He desires to have a personal relationship with you. Take a break from it all and spend some time with Him...okay... gotta go spend some time with Him myself :)

mmog37