In January 2026, we welcomed a “second caboose.” Grandchild #8, Granddaughter #7! Now 7 months old. She is a beautiful surprise, a twister of plans, a conjurer of joy! A conundrum resulting in bright eyes and dimples! A reminder of miracles!
God of Mystery, I pray that You wrap Your grace around this little one as she proves Your plans are better than ours, proves Your completion overrides our incompletion, and proves Your story overwrites our simple dreams. You make all things new.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Purposeful God, please give this little one a child-like faith that keeps her heart spiritually soft into adulthood. Make her the wonderful exclamation point that reminds others often of Your redeeming love and miraculous power to create and preserve faithful families. In each developmental milestone she reaches, reveal Yourself as the Giver of life – body, soul, and spirit. That ordinary tasks are accomplished by Your generous gifts to us of walking, sleeping, eating, learning, talking, thinking, working, and praying. That joy is first glimpsed in the love of a mom, dad, and siblings. That hope is first found in the Savior Jesus Christ. That life is a treasure to be enjoyed. That God is the orchestrator of lasting fruitfulness. That eternity with the Lord is a dream come true.
Father, throughout her life, please protect this little granddaughter from physical and spiritual harm and train her to field life’s disappointments in light of Your tender mercies and amazing grace. Make her a channel of blessing and keep her in Your loving grip as she blooms into independence, wisdom, and vocation. May her lifesong be expressed in smiles, hymns, friendships, service, and love for You and Your Word. May she enrich her parents and siblings in a manner that transforms them forever as participants in the family of God.
Thank You God for the rich gift of this eighth grandchild! And thank You for giving me the honor of being her Nana!
Amen.
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