Their pictures are taped to the computer on my desk – two perfect little beings who can absolutely delight my grandmother heart. In my eyes, they are still fresh in their innocence, vibrant with the grace-filled love of a child, and wholly captivating with their every movement. My husband is sure I could solely support both Wal-Mart and the United States Postal Service if he allowed me to shop to my heart’s content and mail a steady stream of stuffed Priority Mail packages to their home in Colorado Springs, a thousand miles away from us. Why? Why am I so captured by two children who stand among the millions of little people who inhabit our planet? They belong to me. They are my grandchildren. We have a connection. You can show me adorable photos of your own little people, allow me even to engage them in play activities, or observe their latest accomplishments, but my grandchildren stir something much deeper and profound within me. You may look at my grandkids and wonder what it is that stirs that something, or you may even judge them in ways that would make a mother bear protectively attack. (And I would be the mother bear.) Regardless though of your thoughts or feelings, the delight of my grandmother heart cannot be diminished. We belong to each other – even though I realize I must share them with their mom and dad.

The first chapter of Ephesians is rich with the blessings that are mine because I belong to Christ. God lavishes those blessings upon me, which, according to the dictionary, means He gives to me extravagantly. The verses in Ephesians also say that He chose me and adopted me so that He could be profuse in the outpouring of His grace. The position I have in Christ is not a natural one, but one God Himself willed to make happen. I have a grandniece who also shares my grandmother heart. A heart-adoption has willingly given her a place with my biological grandchildren. She too has captured my heart and delights it. God’s adoption showers us with His kindness, loves us from eternity past, and extends a forgiveness that erases every barrier of sin that would hinder the delight of His Father-heart that rejoices simply because I am His child. 1 John 3:1 speaks of the greatness of a love that would allow us to be called children of God. It is immeasurable in its dimensions and it is incomprehensible, but, daughter of God, it is ours, and it is a place in the family that cannot be taken away.

One closing thought. Others may judge me as they choose, and the sting of their judgment can distort my thinking, even my thinking about God. Hold firmly, precious daughter. Your Father’s love is unchanging, and the place He has given you is secure. He calls you His daughter so that you would declare His Fatherhood. He delights in you because you belong to Him. You have a connection.