This week, my heart has been overflowing with gratitude for my grandchildren. Sometimes life feels so busy and heavy that I forget just how much joy God has tucked into the everyday moments — especially through them.
This past Sunday was one of those days I’ll hold onto for a long time. We started the day at church, and afterward, we headed to the mall with three of our five grandchildren and two of our daughters-in-law. We had pictures made with Santa, did a little shopping, and sat down to lunch together. Nothing fancy. Nothing rushed. Just time together.
And honestly… I felt refreshed.
It had been a while since I felt that kind of simple joy — the kind that fills you up instead of wearing you out. It reminded me how important it is to slow down, to be present, and to enjoy what’s right in front of me.
All week long, I’ve tried to carry that feeling with me — choosing to move a little slower, breathe a little deeper, and soak in the moments instead of racing through them.
And of course, there’s been plenty of laughter mixed in too.
I thought about my youngest granddaughter in California. I was Facetiming her mom the other day and she grabbed the phone and was off, running through the house. (She just turned 1!) Even though we are far apart, she knows who I am because I have made the effort. We talk all of the time and she lights up when she sees that it is me on the phone.
Our elves — Jingle Bells and Princess — have returned for the season, and my grandson and my husband have been doing a great job moving them around and keeping the magic alive for our seven-year-old granddaughter. She actually wants to be woken up early so she can search for them before school.
One morning this week, we found a note taped to the outside of the bathroom door that read, “In here — help us!” When we opened the door, the elves were taped to the mirror, and underneath them was another note that said, “This stuff is so, so sticky.”
That one made me laugh out loud. Even on a busy morning, that little bit of silliness brought so much joy.
She also has the best sense of humor.
I have a pair of dark burgundy pants I sometimes wear to work. Every single time I wear them, she looks at me and says, “Nana, you look like Anxiety.” (Yes — the character from Inside Out 2.) I wore them again this week, and of course, she didn’t miss her chance to point it out. Apparently, once you’re “Anxiety,” it’s official forever. Seriously? Why can’t I be Joy? LOL!
And you know what? I wouldn’t trade that laughter for anything because she cracks up every time she points it out.
This week hasn’t been perfect. Life is still full. The schedule is still busy. The responsibilities are still there. But God gently reminded me that joy doesn’t always come in big moments. Sometimes it shows up in Santa pictures, shared lunches, sticky elves on a bathroom mirror, and a little girl who tells you exactly which cartoon character you resemble.
📖 Scripture for This Week
Psalm 127:3 (NIV)
“Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.”
🙏 Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of children and grandchildren — for the laughter they bring, the lessons they teach, and the love they reflect so freely. Thank You for the way they remind us to slow down, to be present, and to see joy in the simple moments. Help me to treasure the time I have with them and to always reflect Your love in my words and actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for pausing with me today.
May this week remind you to look for joy right where you are — sometimes it’s found in the smallest moments and the silliest memories. 💛
Moments of Devotion 
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