Today is my granddaughter’s second birthday. Typically, our family does not make a big deal about birthdays. In fact, I think that my mom should be given a gift on my birthday because she did all the work. I just showed up. However, my granddaughter’s birthday feels different to me.
As I sit here thinking about the last two years, it makes me smile. I can hear her laugh. I can see her smile. I remember what it felt like to hold her for the first time. I look forward to the summer and going to the playground with her. I enjoyed my children when they were young, but having a grandchild has been pure joy and fun!
What I cannot explain to you is why I feel this way. By the normal measurements of value and success that we usually apply, my granddaughter does not rate very well. She does not have an income. In fact, she has cost her parents a great deal in terms of money, effort, and sleepless nights. She does not help around the house. Rather, it can seem like a hurricane has come through when she dumps all her toys out and runs around the house with them. My granddaughter talks a lot, but her conversation is not particularly riveting unless you are extremely interested in ponies or the TV show “Paw Patrol”. By typical measurements, she does not contribute much. However, I would not trade one second of these past two years with her. They have been more valuable than anything I own.
The best things in life are rarely measured in dollars and cents. Our most important blessings cannot be purchased. They can only be received and treasured as gifts from God.
Not every day is easy. Everyone has struggles and issues to overcome. However, today, I am counting my blessings and being thankful for what I have, rather than griping about what I lack.
Therefore, today is a good day!
“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
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