They call me LaLa

They call me “LaLa,” but that is definitely not the grandmother name I intended to acquire. I wanted to be “Lolli” and I wanted Kevin to be “Pop.” However, through the years and beginning with our first grandson, Asher, my name has evolved into “LaLa” and Kevin’s is “Pop Pop.” The name “LaLa” is a contradiction in terms of my true nature. The name describes someone with a true singing voice, a Julie Andrews Mary Poppins and Sound of Music fusion. Yeah no, that’s definitely not me. When God handed out musical gifts, I was in the line with my dad. We can’t carry a tune in a bucket, isn’t that how the saying goes? There’s a preschool worship song, “Shout to the Lord” and all of the children scream and screech out, “LaLaLaLaLaLaLa” to the top of their lungs. That’s me!

But for some reason, my singing voice calms the “squirmies” in each of my four grandsons. Go figure that one out. It began with Asher. When he was a baby, I would put my lips to his ear and just start singing, “Jesus loves me this I know…” Going onto “Amazing Grace,” “This little light of mine,” and so on and so forth I would gently sing right into his ear soon noticing his little arms falling to his side and the steady easy breathing of deep sleep.

Zeke is the twenty-month old. We’ve developed a similiar routine. When I get to put him to sleep, I sit in his rocking chair in the corner of his room, he climbs into my lap, then immediately puts his head on my shoulder. Softly and tenderly I put my lips to the top of his downy soft head and I start singing, “Jesus loves the little children…” “Amazing Grace” “Count your many blessings,” (Zeke likes the hymns). My voice will never receive applause or ovations, but for some reason, my grandsons find peace in the sound. They call me “LaLa” and I like it.

”Adonai your God is in your midst – a mighty Savior! He will delight over you with joy. He will quiet you with His love. He will dance for joy over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 TLV.

In the seventh century B.C. There arose a prophet of God who spoke out against corrupt worship in the nation of Israel. His name was Zephaniah, and he painted a picture of God singing over His people. Israel needed to be reminded of this fact. The nation of Israel was ignoring God’s warning and His word. Life’s busyness was consuming them and they were focused on themselves and their wants. Enters Zephaniah reminding them God was in their midst. God loved them. They brought God delight. They made Him joyful. His love will quiet them. And He sung over them.

I love my grandchildren. They bring me great delight. They make me laugh. They bring me great joy, and for some reason my singing quiets them.

The youngest grandson was recently hospitalized with RSV. He was 6 weeks old. I watched with fear as he struggled to fill his air passages. The inside of me was anything but quiet and panic rose in me with each breath Jax labored for. Again, I am an Israelite. I forgot to listen to God singing over us. I choose not to look for the Lord who is in the midst of us. I focused on my fear and not on my mighty Savior.

My second book “On the Way” will be released toward the end of February. I am starting to gather thoughts for my third book, “With the love of God.”

Today I climbed up into His rocking chair. I laid my head on His great big shoulders. I felt Him put His lips on the top of my head, and my soul was quieted as I remembered the fact that God does dance and sing for joy because He loves me so.