The Divine Jealous Streak

My starting point here in rural Louisiana can create some interesting travels plans. Last month I drove more than an hour to the nearest airport, where I flew down to Houston, TX so I could fly up to East Tennessee. Seriously, my other choice was connecting in Atlanta and that’s no choice, people. My intentions are to never connect in Atlanta again if I can avoid it, so help me, Jesus. Besides, a Houston layover means some super cool perks for Keggie here, by the names of Grant Thomas and Connor Phillip. Layovers are lovely when your baby grands live nearby!

That day, my short visit coincided with a play date Grant was having with his friend, Jacob. In and around showering Baby Connor with sugar, Grant and I enjoyed a seriously sappy reunion. Friend Jacob was happy to occupy himself with a toy motorcycle during most of this, with the exception of one tense moment. Grant was sitting in my lap when Jacob decided to throw his arms around my neck and hold on for dear life. His mother was surprised. I was surprised. But, no one was more surprised than Grant who watched this display for .2 seconds before reaching for the abandoned motorcycle and thrusting it back at his friend, “Here, Jacob.” Grant said. “Here!” My grandson’s message was clear, “Step away from the Keggie, and no one gets hurt.”

I’ll admit it. I liked it. Knowing Grant wanted me all to himself warmed my heart. Sure, there was a touch of jealousy there, but he handled it well. We tend to think of jealousy as a horrible emotion, but that must not be true. In the book of Exodus God self-identifies Himself to us as a jealous God. That awe-inspiring thought can warm our hearts, too, if we’ll let it. God is jealous for His rightful place in your affections. He wants you all to Himself. Your omnipotent creator knows that this life is the layover, and building it on anything or anyone else is to build it on sinking sand.

Hugs,
Shellie