My two-year-old grandson was promoted to big brother recently, and I have been spending precious time at my daughter and son-in-law’s house to help with the everyday tasks a newborn seems to make impossible and to figure out creative ways to keep a curious two-year-old’s mind busy while everyone is adjusting to a newborn in the house. I delight in watching my eldest grandson settle into his big-brother role while I immerse myself in this wonderful family life. As a seasoned “Sitti” (grandmother), my jobs include messy crafts, baking, and plenty of time for snuggles, games, and stories.
My eldest grandson is extremely happy to welcome his new brother and enjoying his own new status in the family, as his promotion entitles him to big-brother gifts, visitors, and outings alone with Daddy. He is also trying to figure out how things are going to work with a new baby in the house in regards to his old toys, blankets, and other previously owned property that seems to have mysteriously reappeared.
When he is tired of sharing or unsure of the new family dynamic, he makes his voice heard in typical two-year-old fashion when he asks me to hold the baby so he can have Mommy or Daddy time alone. Rarely patient, while waiting he relentlessly demands what he needs. Once he is snuggled on Mommy’s lap or has undivided attention from Daddy, he is rejuvenated and ready for his next big-brother adventure, reassured that the comfort of Mommy and Daddy time is always there for the asking.
It is entertaining to watch this scenario, and although I laugh at his antics, I can’t help thinking that maybe his unsophisticated two-year-old wisdom has a lesson for me.
Maybe in my own 50-something-year-old wisdom I am lacking the audacity and determination to seek out my Daddy time with my heavenly Father when I am tired of sharing or unsure of how things are going. I wonder how life would change if I relentlessly demanded time in prayer when things weren’t feeling right and immediately sought out the sustenance I needed, snuggled in my own Father’s lap. Recognizing that God is the source of my comfort, why do I often forget to have the bold confidence to dive unashamedly headfirst into his love, snuggled in prayer?
Maybe 50-something-year old sittis are as much in need of Daddy time as two-year-olds are, and I should allow myself to be as vulnerable as my grandson when I voice my need for help in detaching from this hectic world. I need to rest in the solitude of my Heavenly Father. Only then can I be truly rejuvenated, reassured, and ready for my next adventure.
Image by faithfinder06 from Pixabay.
80+ still need snuggle time too.
Thank you for this lovely reflection. As I watch my sleeping grandson on the baby monitor I imagine my Abba watching over me!
What a beautiful and comforting image…snuggling with my Heavenly Father! Thank you for this, Theresa! I will remember this, especially when the negativity and divisiveness of our world feels like too much to bear.
Thank you for a beautiful reflection that touched my heart and reminded me that snuggles with God are mine for the asking. I have been having health issues and God has felt very distant. It might be time to request some snuggle time!
I have some health issues too!! It’s usually just what I need
Beautiful observations. Thanks Theresa.
Thank you
Thank you for sharing. I envy your time with your now “BIG BROTHER” grandson, but am so happy for you and your family! My own grandsons (5 in all) live a full 7 hour drive from us, and we’re not able to see them often enough. However, we keep in mind words that we recently heard: “WE WANT OUR GRANDCHILD/GRANDCHILDREN TO KNOW THAT WE ARE ALWAYS HERE FOR HER/THEM”. So, writing short notes, enclosed in the many items we’ve been saving hopefully will help close the physical distance between us!
Theresa
I’ve not seen your blogs before and just want to welcome you. As a mother, grandmother and now great grandmother, your story resonates with me and I appreciate the wisdom you gleaned and have shared. Thank you
Thank you!
Theresa, I loved your words today, comparing yourself snuggling with God to the two-year old snuggling with a parent. Could I have possibly taught you? I know “Brotherton” sounds familiar, but the name is not in my list of students taught at St. Stephen’s, St. Elizabeth Academy, and then Bishop DuBourg (1975-2005). Of course, “Brotherton” must be your married name, and I have taught so many named Theresa, it’s easier to write and ask you. (I’m off to “snuggle” now.)
Hi Sister
I think you may have taught my husbands cousins at St. Stevens! But I love your comment. Thank you.