Landon's Walls

 

Children's children are the crown of old men;

and the glory of children are their fathers.

— Proverbs 17:6

           

 

            There's a little boy, Landon James, who is soon to become a big brother. The new baby gets the baby stuff. So it's time for Landon to get his first Big Boy Room. Recently his grandparents came over and helped his parents prepare it. Here it is, almost done. Would you say he looks happy, ecstatic, out of his mind with joy, or all three, over the prospect of having his very own bright, colorful room?

 

 

Landon napped in his old room during most of the transformation.

 

 

But that's not the good part . . . the secret part. Underneath that bright, kid-pleasing paint, there are some words.

 

They're written in plain pencil, just a special touch in the special room of a special, much-adored grandson. After being written in humble script by the two grandparents, they were quickly covered up by the bright paint. They remain there, though, a silent, hidden blessing, a token of understanding and resolve between the adoring grandparents and the diligent, though sometimes frazzled, young parents.

 

            Underneath the paint on Landon's walls are the favorite Bible verses of his loving grandparents - well-chosen, carefully collected, and lovingly embedded in the place where he'll grow up.

 

 

Landon's little fingers smudged John 14:6, but the meaning shines through.

 

 

There's Psalm 91:11, the great-grandmother's favorite, about Jesus sending angels to "keep charge" over His children every step of the way.

 

There are many others about God's protection and promises, Who He is, and who He has commanded each of us to be. Here's a list:

 

Rev. 1:11

2 Tim 2:1

Ps. 91:11

Ps. 91:4

Ps. 3:3

Ps. 63:6,7

Josh. 1:9

Jude 24, 25

Ps. 103:1

Ps.19:14

Jn. 17:3

Ps. 139:13

Jn. 14:6

Ps. 100:5

Mk. 10:14

Ps. 18:1,2

Ps. 62:7

 

 

 

Dad Trevor and Mom Chris collaborate on painting tasks.

 

 

Of course no one expects such a young boy to understand or be able to read the words. But just knowing that these important truths are there, surrounding him in his daily life and as he sleeps, is most meaningful to his grandparents. They left him sweet notes on the walls, too, also covered up by the paint,  but with a meaningful imprint that is everlasting:

 

 

 

They also wrote all of the Biblical Names of Christ on the upper parts of all four walls, including The Alpha and Omega over the doorway:

 

 

Jesus

Prince of Peace

Mighty God

Wonderful Counselor

Holy One

Lamb of God

Prince of Life

Lord God Almighty

Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Root of David

Word of Life

Author and Finisher of Our Faith

Advocate

The Way

Dayspring

Lord of All

I AM

Son of God

Shepherd and Bishop of Souls

Messiah

The Truth

Saviour

Chief Cornerstone

King of Kings

Righteous Judge

Light of the World

Head of the Church

Morning Star

Sun of Righteousness

Lord Jesus Christ

Chief Shepherd

Resurrection and Life

Horn of Salvation

Governor

 

 

Landon's grandfather Jim holds him while dad Trevor paints.

 

            I feel sure that someday, there will be friends and teachers and work associates and a bride who will all benefit from knowing someone like Landon - someone with that priceless, golden glow that you get when you feel utterly loved and blessed by the elders on your family tree.

 

 

Landon's dad free-handed the highway stripe as the finishing touch.

 

 

Jim and Chris are making grandparenthood sound mighty appealing. Their little Landon is a perfect poster grandchild for cuteness.

 

            Chris relates this story:

 

We had the joy of babysitting yesterday morning! At one point, I gave Landon about six Craisins, which he loves. When he said, "More!" his cheeks looked suspiciously like he was squirreling the Craisins away for the winter. So I bent over (not too far -- he is a very tall 19-month-old) and inquired before risking giving him more, "What's in your mouth?" He turned his big blue-gray eyes up at me and said without hesitation, "Teeth!"

 

            Father, bless the child who'll grow up surrounded by Your Words of light and love.

 

            Bless his parents, especially as they welcome Baby Elijah any day now.

 

            But most of all, Lord, bless these grandparents. They know Your heart, and want Landon to know it, too. Let them reap the inestimable reward of having grandchildren who trust You as their Savior. Surround them with joys and blessings, the way they've surrounded their grandson with Your promises of truth, life and love.

 

Help all of us to live in the rooms of our lives alongside You, surrounded by Your Words, uplifted by Your love. Grant us the strong faith of these thoughtful, helpful grandparents. Most of all, Lord, help us see the handwriting on the wall . . . and follow You. †