Dandling

I learned a new word today, so I thought I would pass it along. Who knows, maybe you can use it with your kids or grandkids. The word is 'dandle.'  Here it is in a sentence.

"For this is what the Lord says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees." - Isaiah 66:12

The Lord was referring to Israel in His words to the prophet Isaiah. The word 'dandle' means "to move (a small child) up and down on the knees or in the arms in a playful way."

We all have probably dandled someone a time or two and never even knew what it was called! But this is an important word when we consider how much God loves us and what God desires to do to each one of His children.

God was talking to His people, Israel. But God was also talking to ALL of His children. Us! Can you get a hint of how much God loves us in that He wants to bounce us playfully on His knee? Amazing!

I think that if God did that with me, I'd pass out immediately. The Creator God, who made all things, loves us that much? Wow!

And the way things are going these days, it won't be long before the dandling begins. Maranatha! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Hair

I know what you're thinking. Why is Bob writing a story about hair? He has none. Lol!

Well, there IS a reason. The hair I am writing about today belongs to someone else. So there.

While sitting in church yesterday, a family came in and sat two rows in front of me. A nice looking family - mom, dad and three kids. Nothing special to see. Or so I thought.

Our pastor was talking about Joseph, as we near the end of our study in the Book of Genesis. Our pastor told us that Joseph was an Old Testament example of Jesus. And that, he is. So I had that thought in my head as I watched the father of the family in front of me reach out his had and caress the hair of his wife. I smiled. A perfect example of Jesus and His love for His bride - the church.

His wife had their youngest child on her shoulder and the dad was making sure her hair was looking just right and not being crushed. Lovingly, affectionately, he stroked her hair. Talk about your example of Christ! Jesus makes sure that we, the bride of Christ, are ready, perfectly groomed for His coming.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." - Ephesians 5:25-28

Then, as if the father's example wasn't enough, He did the same for his young son - stroking his son's hair to calm him. The father was God in this second illustration. Answering the prayers of Jesus perhaps as His Son readied Himself for the cross? Affectionately, compassionately.

Do we exhibit God's love in our public affection for our spouses and family members? Do we cause others to think about God when they see us in line at the grocery store or while driving our cars? We should be. We are commanded to be.

God loves us in the same way that father in my church loves HIS family. Unashamed, devoted, committed. We need more fathers in this world who exhibit the love of Christ for their families.

"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children." - Ephesians 5:1