Traveling the Rock Road

This last Saturday my Lady threw a birthday party for three of our grandchildren, only problem is their birthdays are months away. Still we had cake (okay cupcakes) candles, presents, a trip to the local arcade so they could play games, dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, and finally back home to watch a video. All this was done immersed in fun and laughter. So now that I’ve muddied the waters by saying we had a birthday party but it really wasn’t anyone’s birthday I’m sure there are ones saying “What in the world are you talking about Miller?!!” Truth is it really was a birthday celebration, but not the type where our bodies age each year. This was in honor of each child making a decision to trust Christ as their Savior, one of whom this proud grandpa was privileged to lead to the Lord. Thus, each year Cathy picks a date closest to all of their spiritual birthdays to have a party just like a regular birthday, with a couple of exceptions of course. Yes, we plan a fun day just like you would for any anniversary, but if that was all it is then I’m sure the true meaning of what and why we rejoice would soon be lost. As any of you regular readers know, we hold to the position that eternal life in Heaven comes from believing in Christ as Savior and confessing we have sins that only He can rid us of.

John 3:16 –  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

So we are so happy and proud that these children that we love more than life would make this decision at a young age. But what if we just left it there and nothing more was ever said about this wonderful decision each made; as the years pass, would they then see it as something amazing and important? Would they even remember the moment and the why behind it all? Being the kind and caring grandma my Lady is each year she plans this not only to celebrate but to remind them of what they did and how important it is to their lives. The festivities always begin with that reminder and how happy God is that they trusted Him. She tells them over again how much He loves them and the importance of loving Him back. The video always has a spiritual message to it; perhaps how a missionary gave up much if not everything to tell others about Jesus who might never hear. Or it might be about someone who went through tremendous adversity until they learned the joy of the Lord. And it’s a reminder that God’s love for them never ends, and that He can’t wait to see them in heaven.

Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”

So I imagine as long as there’s life in my Lady, this incredible “Traveler of the Rock Road” will continue the celebrations and the reminders for each of our grandchildren. We both realize the day will come when we won’t be there to spur them on to love and trust God for everything, especially when the hard times come. But I’m betting they’ll be alright; after all they’ve had Sunday School and church to teach them, a loving mother that also teaches and prays over them, and an Irish-Mexican Grandmother who will never let them forget how much they’re loved by us and by God.

As Dr. Michael Youssef puts it, “When our children see us clinging to the promises of God, they will grow up trusting in His goodness. If we fail as adults in praying for and praying with the next generation, then they will become spiritually unsure.”
I have a feeling that “Matilda” (as I call my Lady) has got this one covered.

Happy Spiritual Birthday Blaine, Hailey Jo and Madison!

See ya next time.