Handprints

 Sunday I brought our youngest grandson, home from church for the day. We had so much fun together. He’s a pure delight. He was amazed when he realized he had full reign of the house. He could play with any toy without any conflict from any of his siblings and have my full attention. He had so much fun chasing the hover ufo around the house and being in “full control” of it. (Best $15 we spent at Christmas!) 

But, at some point I had to start dinner. So, he decided to stay near me and to write with chalk on the pantry door (which is made for that... covered in chalkboard paint) beside the stove. As I was chopping all the veggies for the cabbage soup, he would ask me to look at what he was drawing every once in a while. He was making masterpiece after masterpiece. I almost forgot he was even there... he was having such a great time. And then he started cackling and pointed to the fridge, “look Nana – handdddprintttts bahahahahaha!” and then... on the dark brown recliner and on and on... He was delighting in leaving a little trail of his precious handprints and I didn't mind a bit. 
Recently in the Ladies Group I find myself praying for us that He would show Himself to us throughout the week in big and small ways. It was in our sweet soon-to-be-3-years-old grandson’s CACKLE that I was reminded that He is indeed near and finds delight in giving us glimpses of Himself at least as much as we delight in realizing He is God. If you need a glimpse of His goodness today– just look around- He's leaving His handprints for us to find in big and small ways - and look at our sweet grandson's cackle, I mean face... that I’m holding in this picture and go ahead and read Psalm 19! (Sorry - couldn't find the photo!)

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. 

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19

*Taken from LIFT weekly email.