Anguish for Brothers

So I talk about my parents a lot. They're just so amazing.

My mom has been up here weekly since Ryleigh was born. She just fills in the gaps and makes things go more smoothly around here.

She loves on the kids with snuggles, playing, stroller rides, reading stories, etc.

She does laundry.

She makes beds.

(I don't believe in making my bed)

(Unless people are coming over)

(And even then sometimes I still don't make it)

She watches kids so that I can run errands.

Or so that Andy and I can go on a date!

(These weekly dates have been VERY important and VERY much appreciated)

I could go on and on! My mom just keeps giving and giving to us. I don't like that I'm in a stage of life where I feel like I keep taking and taking. I hope to be a in a position to give back sooner than later. Because I'm just so grateful for all she's done. I truly don't know what I would do without her!

And then there's my dad.

I got an email from him recently with something he had written in his journal. It made me cry. It's just so beautiful. We are so blessed to have him in our lives! My kids have the BEST grandpa in the entire world!

Here is what he wrote:

Anguish for Brothers

Romans 9:1 I am speaking the truth in Christ- I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit- 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

Paul is speaking specifically of his deep love for his Jewish kin from the tribes of Israel. But in principle he speaks more widely. Nearly all of us know what it is to love someone with a pained love, to so deeply desire the welfare they are not yet enjoying that it hurts us. Parents of prodigals, wives of unbelieving husbands, and pastors of sinners in their congregations know the ache of longing for happy belief to arrive in the lives of their loved ones.

It is a pain known by this grandfather whose earnest longing is for Lily, Taylor, and Ryleigh to know the love of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, fix your love on these grandchildren. Bless them in such a way that they latch onto you by faith as you latch on to them with unshakable faithfulness to your promises. Give them eyes to see your unsurpassed beauty and worth. Give them ears to hear the word preached and to hear your Spirit’s promptings with obedience. Give them an appetite for your word, a delight in your counsel, and a glad-hearted inclination to worship you and love your people.

Let them look straight on, not glancing to the right or left, but walking in your ways. Bless them with every spiritual blessing, taking them to maturity that is only in Christ Jesus.

Enable them to honor their father and mother and bless the generations to come. Make them gifted and fit members of the body of Christ, joined with others in ways that are upbuilding. Bless them by the church and make them a blessing to the church. Take their hearts, minds, and tongues into captivity, causing them to serve the truth, and joy, and blessing.

Give them a solid theology of suffering so that they are content in any situation, no grumbling or murmuring, seeing your good and loving hand at work in any difficult situation. Give them rest at the right time, and energize them at the right time.

Help them walk with the wise and in doing so become wise. Fill them with faith and by your Holy Spirit, producing the fruit that corresponds – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Protect them from the evil one, mishap, vulnerability to the influence of fools, disease, and anything that would weaken their faith. Rescue them from false philosophies and vain disputations. Provide them with all the suffering that would refine their character in your sovereign love.

Make them shine as lights.

Give them a grandfather who loves you and loves them – genuinely and deeply.

Grandpa and Ryleigh interacting with each other. So sweet!