John 21:22 “Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’”
I could hardly contain my excitement as we set out on the six-hour drive to Rhode Island. We hadn’t seen our 19-month old grandson for what seemed like years (four months). Although my daughter dutifully skypes with us weekly, how can you take stroller rides, play in sandboxes and cuddle up with books across the computer screen?
I had a habit of saying “Grandma, Grandma, Grandma” every time we skyped. You know, just to make sure he didn’t forget who I was. Much to my delight, Bethany told me the week before our visit he had finally been able to formulate the words…Gam-maw. YES!
Was I ready! I prepared a Grandma bag with clothes from the Carter Outlet, books, bubbles and his favorite snack—Goldfish—three bags of Pepperidge Farm delight. We arrived right before Tobin’s bedtime, and just as I anticipated, he exclaimed, “Gam-maw, Gam-maw!” The only problem was he ran straight for my husband! No kidding! After all my attempts at indoctrination! Throughout the week, we tried to help him make the distinction between Gam-maw and Gam-paw but Chip and I both continued to carry the esteemed nomenclature of Gam-maw.
We all had a big laugh. Well, my laugh probably wasn’t as hardy as everyone else’s, but it’s tough to feel slighted in the company of such grandson adorableness.
It did get me thinking, though, of times when I’ve experienced being overlooked, or someone else getting the credit for my work. It happens to all of us, doesn’t it? We respond by either letting the hurt consume us or shake it off and move on.
When Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection, he singled out Peter. Jesus wanted to reassure him he still had a place in the kingdom of God, even after his infamous denial. When Peter asked Jesus about John’s destiny, he made it clear there was only one thing Peter should concern himself with: was he following Jesus?
It’s the answer for us as well. We don’t measure ourselves by other people’s responses or how their walk compares to ours. If we focus on doing what the Lord is calling us to do, and if we do it with all our heart, nothing else matters.