It was always a tender moment when Grammy tucked in a little granddaughter for the night. We cuddled on the bed and read her favorite stories – just the two of us. Then the time came to pull up the covers and kiss her good night. Without much thought I added, “Sweet dreams, sweetheart.” This innocent little three year old suddenly looked up at me in total bewilderment, shook her curly head, and said “Grammy, you can’t pick your dreams, you have to take what you get!”

That incident was about 18 years ago. My adorable little girl is now a senior in college. But I never forgot her answer. Yes, I do have a lot to learn.

I’m thinking that her words apply to so much in life. We pray fervently for our wants and needs, but in the end, “We have to take what we get.” Sometimes God will bless us with answers to our prayers that are just what we had hoped for. Sometimes He answers in His time, granting our requests in the time and way that He finds best. Sometimes He looks down at us like any loving Father, saying that there’s a better way, our solution is not the best one. For reasons that we just don’t understand He may say no.

Then I remember her sweet little innocence. She couldn’t pick her dreams, sometimes they would be good, sometimes not. But she had accepted that. It was OK. Daddy and Mommy or Grammy were always there with her.

If only I could face God’s plan for me with such childlike acceptance. Some days will be good, some not so good. But it’s OK. He’s with me either way. It’s really so simple.

Perhaps you too can learn from this little cherub. God’s plan for you is OK. He’s with you every step of the way. He loves you. He loves you unconditionally.

Judy

Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Originally posted in September 2017