I have to admit I was caught off guard when I became a grandparent almost 12 years ago. I was smitten instantly with this new granddaughter. Because she was the first and lived within about an hour of us, I spent my day off every week with her. For the first few years of her life it was just the two of us every week.
We were walking through the mall one day when she was about 2 1/2 and walked by this "Build a Bear" store. Now I was thinking . . ."Man, there is a money trap!" But I caught her eyes lighting up as she looked in the store. And I said, "Let's go in and just look." Well, a few minutes later we came out with a stuffed elephant with a heart placed inside, and a certificate just for her. She was walking on a cloud. I knew her mother and grandmother would get on to me for spending the money, but at that moment I wasn't too worried. I had to learn to be careful about looking into those eyes because eventually I had seven pair of eyes. I have been overwhelmed by the love I have as a grandparent.
God's grace is that enormous gift that lights up our lives just like that gift did in her. It is more than you can wrap your arms around. It is given in a moment so right that it floors you and leaves you speechless.
I remember the first time I walked up to the edge of one of the seven natural wonders of the world in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls. At first I was awestruck with absolutely nothing to say. There are moments in life like that when it's better to retire your lips as you think, I'm not even going to try. I would suspect that this must have been the kind of love the prophet Zephaniah was referring to: "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with singing." (3:17) Think of it, the God of all creation and universe quieting us with His love and singing over us. This is how our God initiates His side of the worship dialogue.
This is no ordinary love the prophet is speaking of. It's mighty. It's that most special gift. It's deeper than looking over into the canyon at Victoria Falls. Beyond our understanding, it rushes over us like Vic Falls. God lavishes His love on us - though undeserved - because we are His.
Why does He do it? Because His glory is revealed in us when He shows His mighty love powerful and pure, leaving us wanting more of Him. He wants us smitten and dumbfounded. The Father quiets us with His love. Besides pouring out His love on us now, He left a trail of love letters through His infallible Word. We are the constant target of the glory of God - a love revealed at any expense! mjm
