January 4, 2023
“I will talk about the kind things the Lord has done. I’ll praise God for everything he’s done for us…because he loves us and is very kind to us.” Isaiah 63:7 NIRV, adapted
Dear Saint Paul’s Family,
Four little words, kind, and compassionate words, uttered by my granddaughter Anne-Sophie, age 8, were exactly what I needed. I declared December 31 spa day. I’d made reservations to get their hair trimmed and styled, and a visit to a nail salon for pedicures and manicures. The hair stylist was incredible and even placed sparkly gems and glitter in their tresses. When we arrived at the nail salon, it was closed.
Both Anne-Sophie and Marie-Hélène were disappointed, but on the drive home I remembered that one of their dad’s had given me a supply of nail products that he’d ordered two years ago, only to realize that the girls were too young to use them, apparently for just such a time as this.
So, after showers, I set to work trimming, moisturizing, applying polish and adding glitter, stars, and stick-on decals to 20 little toenails and 20 little fingernails. I can probably count on my fingers the number of times I’ve had my nails done as an adult. It just isn’t one of my things. But for grandchildren, I was willing to stretch.
I was applying polish to Marie-Hélène’s toenails, and she complained that I’d missed a spot. Anne-Sophie, came out with these words, “Nana’s doing her best.” I was so very touched and thanked her. It took me until the next day, while leading a discussion about the above verse, that I realized that her words needed to be talked about, for they were God’s kindness and love spoken by a child who is imperfect, like her name’s sake, just for me.
I pray that I can do the same for others. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 