Sunday, August 4, 2013

Gracie & Snuggly...

 I recently watched Gracie, my 1-1/2 year old granddaughter, and her puppy in a tug of war. The little cloth doll was the object that day, and both of them were trying to win. Every time snuggly got the doll, Gracie crawled with determination right over to snuggly and started pulling it out of her mouth. We sat and chuckled watching this.

Gracie didn't even care about the doll... until snuggly had it. 

Do we ever do that?  Get 'territorial' about things. It doesn't matter, unless it starts mattering to someone else, and then we quickly feel like jumping in to claim our rights.

Example:

Knowing you have done something well and then watching as someone else get the praise.

It's happened to me, and probably to you. The temptation is to want people to know that YOU did it. Of course, we are too 'humble' to say it out loud... but do you ever think it??

There have been times when a genuine effort and desire to unselfishly do something for someone has gone without notice, when hearing a simple thank you would have felt good.

My mom used to say..."God keeps the records."  He is watching when no one else is, He doesn't miss any of it, good or bad.

I don't grab for the doll anymore, but I feel like hiding my smile when I see Gracie do it. I recognize that behaviour, that little bit of Eve... even in this adorable little cowgirl.  


11 comments:

Joy said...

Sweet grandchild of yours.
Yes, it happens, but thanks God who sees all. I give the credit to God.
Have a nice week ahead:)

Sharon said...

First of all, Gracie is a living doll!

And yes, I understand what you're talking about. In this new phase of life called "taking care of my parents" - one of the things that I've been most chagrined to see in myself is what you call *territorial* feelings. Most of the time, my dad forgets who I am - which means that he forgets all the years that I spent with him, all the summers that my sons and I lived with them, all the events and games that he attended with my family. I often bemoan the *reward* I think I should be receiving, even as I watch my only brother become #1. (Why does it hurt more because I'm the oldest??)

And don't even get me started on their stuff.

God keeps the records. I'm going to remember that. I have to - otherwise the pettiness of being me will overwhelm me.

GOD BLESS!

Just a little something from Judy said...

You sure were blessed with a wise mother! Her comment about God keeping records is so true, and He is the one who lifts up in His time. I smile too as I watch the little ones in their tugs of war. Your little cowgirl is so precious!

Sandy said...

Very wise mom indeed! This is so true. As for Gracie...I have no words except BEAUTIFUL!!!
Hugs & Blessings~

manthano said...

Impossible to not love the grandkids, isn't it?

Love that quote of your mother's,
"God keeps the records.",

Will try to remember it.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ahhh....you touched a nerve this morning dear Sonja!!! Isn't it amazing how territorial we all are? What's even more amazing is that HE came to earth to save our souls, this group of humans with so many foibles. He came to free us. That is wild.

Thank you for coming to view my post; I LOVE to attempt to write, and this summer, my husband and I had the pleasure to take a poetry writing class that has challenged me to write poetry. Some say my blog posts are poetry, but not really.....or rather, they are a mixed media of music, images and words. But when you have to make JUST THE WORDS do all the work, let me tell you, it's not easy. But the creator of the universe, the AUTHOR and finisher of our faith became THE WORD incarnate, and to think that God has gifted us with the power of speech and writing is a joy when I put the pen to the paper.

BE WELL MY DEAR ! Anita

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

She is so precious. Oh I know the lesson here as well..so much of Eve coming out of me recently.

Debbie Petras said...

I learn so much from watching children. Gracie is so like the little ones I observe every day. Oh but of course, she is so special because she is your granddaughter. :)

I used to look at the names on the wall of people who donate large amounts to the hospital and think "I'd rather have God know than to be listed on a wall or plaque".

Love you,
Debbie

Debbie Petras said...

I learn so much from watching children. Gracie is so like the little ones I observe every day. Oh but of course, she is so special because she is your granddaughter. :)

I used to look at the names on the wall of people who donate large amounts to the hospital and think "I'd rather have God know than to be listed on a wall or plaque".

Love you,
Debbie

Vee said...

What a cutie pie! And no one has to teach our darlings how to be adams and eves, do they?!

Debbie said...

How did I manage to miss this post? I can't believe I almost did, and that picture is just about the most precious thing I've seen in a while.

More than that, if it's possible, is the lesson you taught. I really needed to read this right now. Bingo.

My heart's listening.