In general, people don’t write much about the perks of getting older. Getting older is more often regarded as an unfortunate inevitability to be evaded versus embraced. That said, there are some truly wondrous joys that can only be experienced through the living of life and the passage of time.
The one on my heart today is the subject of grandchildren and grandparents. I do not have grandchildren, of course, but I have a son and I have parents. And it is a real, distinct joy to watch my son interact with my mother and father. Luke is delighted; they are delighted. These scenes of mutual affection never cease to overwhelm me, whether in playrooms, kitchens or even airplanes. Warmth envelops my heart. The room feels bouncy and bright. This experience of joy is totally new to me, and it is like nothing else.
When my parents are with Luke, they seem younger to me. Years melt away. I see the love they lavish on me with fresh eyes; this love is now poured into my son. Gratitude swirls inside me so fiercely that I am almost dizzy. Turning inward, I silently wonder if I brought this same kind of pure satisfaction to my own grandparents. I sure hope so.
The family tree is made visible. It stretches before my eyes, tiny buds blossoming on a sturdy branch. I am not in the spring of my life, but I perceive God is doing a new thing. We are all in this new season, and there is no going back.
As I sit back and take in the smiles, claps and coos, a rare wave of existential contentment rushes through me. My life matters to these people. By just living my life, running my course, I’ve done something right and relational that will have eternal ramifications. Who I am and where I am feels strikingly, strangely significant.
Luke is a gift to me from God. He is a gift from God to my parents, as well. Then there’s the gift I receive in witnessing the enjoyment and connection they find in each other. When they are playing or “talking” together, the blessing practically shimmers and dances in front of me. God is connecting these generations in a grand lineage of love and, my, it is something to behold. If His goodness isn’t overwhelming me, then I’m not paying attention. When I do, the Holy is everywhere.
The joy of watching my child with my parents is one I simply couldn’t know or appreciate without being a little older. My parents didn’t get to experience this unique brand of bliss until they were old enough to retire. It all gives me hope for the future and a delicious taste of more goodness down the road. New joys await with each advancing year.
That great C.S. Lewis quote comes into sharp focus:
“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
Sarah Weller 