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“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise” (Matthew 21:16).

It is not everyday that I have the honor of picking up my grandson from school, which is an event I really love doing just to be with him. One day the opportunity arose and I should have been prepared to offer him a special treat. Unfortunately, I was not even close to being prepared on that day. Needless to say, I paid dearly for my unpreparedness. Although my pride was sorely wounded, I learned a precious lesson about treats that afternoon.

This event happened six months ago. Caelan’s mother, who is my daughter, called me from work and asked me to pick him up from school. She had to work late that day. Glancing at my watch, I realized I was running late. It was already 2:55 p.m. and Caelan had to be picked up by 3:00 p.m.

Hurriedly, I dashed out my residence, hopped into my car, and my keys found the ignition instantly. It was not even on my mind that I was still wearing my house slippers and was not appropriately dressed for an outing. Worst yet, I had even left my handbag behind in my residence. How unprepared could one be when faced with such an emergency?

The motto I learned years ago from my girl scouts leader, “Be Prepared,” was not even on my mind, and had long been forgotten. Nevertheless, I arrived at Caelan’s school just in the nick of time to prevent him from waiting.  One should have seen the joy on his face when he saw me. It was priceless! However, I had no idea of the thoughts that were running randomly through his little mind, which to my surprise I later discovered as a learning experience.

“Nana” He greeted me as he entered the car. “Where is Mom?” 

“She is working late.” I replied.  However, he did not appear unduly disappointed that she was not the one who picked him up.

“Nana, may I have some candy?” He then asked tentatively.

“Oops!” I exclaimed. I am sorry sweetheart but I did not bring any candy with me.”

Not to be deterred he continued. “Can we stop and get some ice cream?”

“Oops!  I forgot my handbag at home. I am so sorry.” Caelan seemed pensive for a while. His little brain was obviously ticking away because in the next instant he delivered a Whopper.

 “Nana, you know, grandparents should always have nice things for their grandchildren.”

So there it was, out of the mouth of babes!  What an evening of receiving the unexpected.  His words humbled me; however, as I mulled them over time and again I realized that those were not just mere words. Within them was a more profound message for me to understand and remember for years to come. Naturally, all loving grandparents should try their best to have nice things on hand for their grandchildren as well as for others, especially while picking them up from school.

Years ago when we were parents, we probably did an exceptional job rearing our children but there were instances when we also made numerous mistakes. Today as grandparents, we are given a second chance to correct those mistakes through our grandchildren. How merciful is our God to have blessed us with them, such precious gifts

Caelan was right! Grandparents should always have nice things on hand for their grandchildren as well as for all others. Some of the nicest things they would appreciate us to have on hand are: a kind word, a warm smile, a gentle touch, a forgiving heart, and a helpful hand for those we meet. These are the ways of Christ, and our hearts should sing as we follow His example.

Apparently, Caelan does not know the lesson he taught me that day.

However, deep in my heart I do believe it was God reminding me, that I should always keep Christ’s words embedded in my heart, and to live my life by following His example of unconditional love.