Generations

My daughter-in-law Gretchen came over early so we could all cook together and prepare for Stacia's baby shower.  Gretchen brought Jordan and put her in a little swinging baby seat where she could bounce around and watch us all.  Gretchen is a great cook and she started preparing her soups.  Then she arranged beautiful flowers in vases and decorated the dining room with the girls helping her. Each of us would stop in our work to love on Jordan in her swing.  Gretchen created a hot cocoa bar with whipped cream and crushed cinnamon candies.  What a sweet treat! I am not good at entertaining or planning, so I was so grateful for all the help.  When Jordan got fussy and was put in her baby chair, Liana rocked her to sleep.  All these girls in our family are so efficient and talented. 

At one point in our bustling around I recognized God's gift of this particular morning. I had so many little boys at one time and took such pleasure in their childhood and boyish activity.  Now here are my tiny granddaughter, my two daughters, and my daughter-in-law, all of us working together in one room, the conversation light, anticipating the fun of the shower.  Why am I so blessed?  Gretchen said one day we will be doing this in the future, but the roles will be changed.  Jordan will be the one rocking someone's baby, Gretchen will be the old mom and my girls will be the young moms at the stove.  Maybe I won't be there at all.  But that's okay.  It's how it's meant to be.  Others carrying on the family traditions.  Others carrying the faith.  "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts."  (Psalm 145)  We must not forget to tell the stories of God's blessings.

Our house fills with women, family and friends. Joey, almost one year old now, practices his new walking skills while we all cheer him on. Then it's a wonderful celebration of a new mama and a new baby to come. Life is good.  God is gracious.