She’s Your Granddaughter?!

BREAKING PROTOCOL

Originally Written March 10, 2022

~Our Journey of Sunflowers and Rainbows~

By: Angie Jennings

Volume 3

“Did you say she was your GRANDDAUGHTER??!! You must be a young Grandmother because you look more like her Mother!” Although well intentioned and meant to be complementary, the words of the young woman at the park still stung. After all, I was at the park with my granddaughter enjoying a beautiful afternoon. Her Mommy should be here seeing these moments and hearing her squeal with delight over the simple fact that new swings had just been put up. I felt a bit guilty, almost like I had taken this moment when it wasn’t mine to take. Then I just blurted out my personal business. I told the woman that yes I did look like Abbie’s Mommy but her Mommy was in Heaven due to complications of COVID. Almost immediately her phone rang and she had to take a call from her boss. I began to mentally beat myself up for why I gave into this irrepressible urge to tell her this very sensitive private information when I did not know her. I mean do I have no filter?

Several minutes passed and I swung Abbie on those swings til I felt like my arms were gonna fall off. Thankfully, she took my suggestion and decided to play on the other playground equipment. But you know what? I noticed that the young woman was off the phone and had taken her daughter to the swings. I took my granddaughter back over and once she engaged me in conversation, I told this young lady that I really apologize for just blurting out my business like that. I really had not meant to make her feel uncomfortable. But her response shocked the daylights out of me! She began pouring out the story of her grandmother passing away just nine months ago. After listening to her story for quite some time, I was able to invite her to church and let her know that I certainly was praying for God to direct her footsteps. As it turned out, she had been out of church a while but was open to the idea of returning.

So remember that moment I had of beating myself up for the irrepressible urge to share my private business? I am so glad I did not stifle that urge! Otherwise, I never would’ve met a new friend, got to be a kind listening ear during her pain, and offer words of prayer and invite her to church. God’s timing is always perfect!