It's a Slow Fade

Just a few days ago, I returned to their mother’s arms, the lights of our lives, Gabriella and Sophia, my 3-1/2 and 21 month old granddaughters!  They had spent ten days with Mimi and Papa! Skype and iPhone’s Facetime fill the gap temporarily but there is absolutely nothing that equals the feel of four little arms hugging you and tugging your neck and planting little wet kisses all over your cheeks and lips. The back seat of my car was transformed with two toddler seats, assorted snacks and sippy cups. Our guest room, completely equipped with a crib from when Gabi was first born, was changed into the “toddlers’ romp”.  The toddler swing and kiddie pool were taken from their storage hiding in the back of the basement.  The swing was hung by a loving Papa waiting the turns each little Princess took to be endlessly pushed.  The little blue pool was filled to the top with water knowing that with our unseasonably hot weather, the water would be warm for a late morning swim.  It would be a busy, fun-loving ten days!

As we were planning some other activities that the girls might enjoy, a song familiar to me, written by Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, began playing in the background.  I had heard so many times before that I had memorized its tune and words.

“Be careful little eyes what you see
it’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade”.

I stopped to listen for a few moments. . .to the words. . .

“Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow.”

What an awesome responsibility we had for our little granddaughters.  Moreover, what an awesome responsibility their parents have today to bring up their children to know right from wrong; to fear the Lord; to (with much prayer) lead them to Christ as savior at a young age; to understand, as they grow, that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular; to know how to use things and care for people; to not join in the wrongs of those that bully by name calling or physical abuse; to carefully choose friends – girls and boys alike; to learn a good work ethic; to learn how and whom to trust. . .I could write on, but I think you get the picture. 

While bringing children into this world and bringing them up in a right way has always been a challenge in any era, in this century, as we plunge into a decade of world unrest and uncertainty, it is not just a challenge,  it has become a battlefield for the very souls of our little ones.

We have heard over and over that if we “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 Did you notice, however, it doesn’t mention those years in between?  Those are the years that bring the fervent, sometimes agonizing prayers for wisdom and protection of those “little darlings”. Gray hairs seem to mass produce overnight.  You dread thinking you may be awakened in the middle of the night by a call for help. . .sometimes it happens and sometimes the Lord prepares you and wakes you up before the phone rings.

It is a time when we worry for I Peter 5:8, we are reminded to “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” (The Message)  We have solace.  We have a promise on which to stand and a God who HEARS and ANSWERS our prayers. We have a loving Savior that stands ever ready, arms outstretched, waiting for that prodigal son or daughter to come their senses and be welcomed “home”.  (Luke 15:11-32)

As my mind slowly returned to the reality of the moment the song continued to play.  You will find its words, its truths below.  Read it carefully.  If you have never heard it, I encourage you to use this link to listen to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QASREBVDsLk – this is a powerful music video. Be prepared.  Please, listen with your heart.    -Rhonda

"Slow Fade" Mark Hall

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see