THE MORAL OF THE STORY:Savor each moment

“Let me tell thee, time is a very precious gift of God; so precious that it’s only given to us moment by moment.”

— AMELIA BARR

It started out innocently enough. In fact, it started out like a very normal and enjoyable conversation between a grandmother and her grandchild. I was dining with 1-year-old Aubrey and older sister Mary, who will soon be 3.

I chose the word “dining” because there are occasions when mealtimes with Mary are wonderful experiences not to be rushed or missed. This was one. We had long since finished eating, but only Aubrey had left the table and she chatted and played happily on the floor nearby.

Our conversation started during dinner and was, in fact, about the benefits of eating. I mentioned something to Mary about food helping her to grow big and strong, and before I knew it, Mary was off into the future. “I’ll get bigger and bigger, and I’ll be able to brush my teeth without standing on the stool,” she proclaimed. “You’re right, sweetheart,” I replied. “And you’ll be able to reach the food in the refrigerator.” Mary smiled and added, “And I’ll be able to brush my hair by myself and swing outside without someone pushing me.”

“You’re right again, sunshine girl, and you’ll help cook things … “ but Mary cut in to correct me, “I already help cook things, Cici.”

I corrected myself. Then Mary started again. “When I get bigger I’ll be able to push Aubrey in the stroller without making the handles Mary-sized, and I’ll be able to drive a car,” she said while moving her hands like she was turning a steering wheel back and forth abruptly. At that I laughed, and said, “Yes, you’ll learn how to drive a car well.”

Somewhere along the line, something clicked, and the view to the future changed for one of us: me. The more excited Mary became about all her future abilities, the more it occurred to me what that meant. In what will seem like a blink of an eye, Mary will do all those things by herself, for herself. One day she will be driving. I started to cry. Suddenly I pictured her older, and I am in no rush for her to get there. Someday she won’t crawl into my lap and ask me to read to her. Sometime she won’t need me to brush her hair.

I dabbed my eyes before Mary saw the tears. I decided to enjoy the moment instead. I picked up Aubrey, who had crawled over to me and kissed her, then Mary and said, “God has so many wonderful things planned for us every day, but for now, I think it’s time for you little ladies to get into your pajamas. Mary, you can put the toothpaste on the toothbrush by yourself.” Mary ran toward her room. I carried Aubrey back, and I enjoyed every little minute of the bedtime routine with my granddaughters.

God gives us all precious moments of time; may we all look to him to help us savor them.

And you can quote me on that.