I received some great news last Friday (Sept. 27) … I mean, truly great news! I am now a great-grandfather for the fourth time. My granddaughter Taylor and her husband Michael welcomed Ivy Lynn to the world officially at 3:13 p.m., weighing in at 6 pounds 4 ounces and 18 1/2 inches long. Mom and Dad are doing well, Grandmas and Grandpas are popping their buttons. Taylor noted she picked a good day to arrive … a blessing from Crazy Grandma [Sept. 27 was the 11th anniversary of my wife and crazy grandma, Karen]!

Little Miss Ivy is God’s latest gift to me. He has blessed Karen and I with five children, who in turn have blessed us with 18 grandchildren and now four great-granddaughters. I cherish each and every one in the quiver.

I think it’s amazing. I was an only child and Karen only had one sister.  My only regret is Karen isn’t here to experience this with me.

I look at babies as God’s promise He is still with us. They are a peek at the future, a look at the present and a connection to the past. They link us.

I’m still not sure I’ve settled into the “great” part. I always envisioned great-grandparents as, well, old. I suppose I am old but I don’t feel “great” old, just “grand” old. And, of course, this is my fourth shot at “great”-ness

Ivy’s birth was a reminder I’m in another season in my life, my very blessed life. I’ve managed to grow up {okay, maybe in years, anyway} and watch my children and grandchildren grow up. Hopefully, I’ll get to witness at least some of my great-grandchildren’s lives … and still remember and appreciate it.

I immediately thought of the presentation scene in The Lion King where Simba was lifted toward the heavens. I symbolically lift Ivy toward the heavens, not for the oohs and aahs in this realm, but in appreciation of her Creator.

All I can do is pray for her — as I do for her parents and their parents’ parents. It’s a simple prayer. Lord, keep them close.

To Ivy I utter the same prayer I’ve prayed so many times over the years.

Lord, I thank you for this gift. Give my grandchildren the same strength and wisdom You blessed me and my children with to raise her as Your special child, with potential and possibilities way beyond their belief. They will not be perfect and neither were we. She will not be perfect and neither were we. But, let us all remember whose child she is … Yours. May Ivy grow as a reflection of the One who made her all the days of her life.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities. When God doesn’t solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities.