Life
It certainly has a way of surprising us in the most extraordinary ways. As of late, my seems a little topsy-turvy. Just when we think we have things all figured out and set out on the ‘Path of Our Plan,’ that’s when God puts up a detour sign right in the middle of the road. Have you ever had the same experience?
The thing about detours is we rarely have a choice of whether to take them or not. The road we were on is closed to us. We must go the way the sign directs because the way we were going is not passable beyond the big orange sign pointing us in a new direction.
We came up to our detour sign late in April when we got a call that our granddaughter was in the hospital about to have a baby. We have not had much contact with our granddaughter since she had left home five years ago. Life choices and desires on her part had taken her away from the rest of the family, and aside from the occasional text, we didn’t hear from her.
We did what any grandparent would do on such a day.
We got in the car and went to the hospital. To make a long story short, I was able to be at the delivery of our first great-grandchild. To witness a baby take their first breath and let the world know they have arrived is a marvelous thing. There is nothing like it.
The rest of the story surrounding the birth of our little Baby J has some very sad elements. Our granddaughter tested positive for drugs in her system, and she could not take her baby with her when she left the hospital. As much as we knew it was for the safety of Baby J, it was hard to watch mother and child separated.
But that would not be the end.
Our beautiful Baby J was placed in our care while mama works on sobriety and stability. We do not know what the outcome will be for our granddaughter. That will be up to her. We pray she is successful. We hope you will join us in prayer for this to be a turning point that will lead directly to Jesus, and a life lived for Him.
In the meantime, these great grandparents who had big plans for the summer, are covering some new territory thanks to the detour God has put in place. We would not dream of having it any other way. We spend our days baby gazing. Not a bad gig, don’t you agree? Getting used to nighttime feedings has been the most challenging, but God uses the time sitting in the dark to call my heart to His as I pray for Baby J, her mother and father, the future, my stamina, our world, and the impact that this event will have on eternity.
God does not do anything by mistake.
He builds purpose in all his plans. Only time will reveal what God had in mind when He put these events into place. For my husband and I, our detoured life just got so much fuller and even more amazing than we could have ever dreamed or imagined. Please pray for us as we watch for what’s next on the horizon.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope nd a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Oh my Patty, I had no idea. Congratulations on the birth of your first great granddaughter. Blessing for you and your family❤️
Oh My Goodness Ms. Patty. I can’t think of anyone better God could have placed this precious child in than your and your husband’s hands ma’am. Whatever God’s plan is, I am certain you will be a big part of it. Prayers from Diane and I are an “automatic” of course, but please know you can reach out to us if there’s anything we can do to help. I can’t imagine at our age what caring for a newborn would be like, but I’m guessing much different than my calves. God’s blessings and prayers for your entire, growing family my friend.
Praise the Lord!! Jeff and I are praying for you and Paul. I love how you embrace whatever situation the Lord brings your way. How sweet of Him to let you see your first great grandchild born and to be the ones to help her feel the heart and hands of Jesus❤️ Praying for this darling child and for her parents to know the love of Christ personally
What wonderful provision for this little one! May the Lord bless you with stamina. I will join you in praying as you requested.
Praying for you, Paul and your precious grand daughter and your shared little one-! May the Lord give you all the strength, peace and wisdom you need-! Praying for salvation and healing…the Lord is faithful and directs our steps-!
Love this! ❤️
I’m so moved by your story, Patty. Very best wishes to all of your family; you’re doing an amazing thing in caring for your great granddaughter and giving her mother the opportunity to work on her own health and wellbeing. She will repay you by becoming a wonderful mother to her daughter, I am sure.
My sweet friend, I’m so glad you had a moment to share what’s been going on. God is at work! Praying for you and Paul on this new adventure.
Wow! That certainly is a detour! I imagine the middle of the night feedings would be har but, oh, to hold a baby again. Praying for you and your family. May God be glorified.
Wow! What a great opportunity for you
Sending prayers
Unwavering love you are showing both your grand daughter and great grand child. Much like the love Jesus has for us. Praying for sobriety for her and peace and strength for you and your husband.
Thank you, Melissa.
Oh, sweet Patty, know that you and your husband, and your granddaughter and great-granddaughter will be in my daily prayers. Dang, you are just too young to be a great-grandmother! What you are doing right now honors God in every possible way. May He grant you the strength and courage to pursue this “detour.”
Love and blessings!
Thank you for your kind words. This detour had been marvelous in so many ways. Our relationship with our granddaughter has improved 100% and that is a beautiful thing.
God bless, Patty. Congratulations, and praying that this will be a turning point in your granddaughter’s life.