Name Above All Names

As in years past, I traveled to Maryland for Christmas.  For the past eight years, I have made the trek.  Sometimes via car…other times, via plane. 

This year, I decided to drive so that Koda, my miniature schnauzer, could travel with me instead of boarding her for the duration of my visit with family (17 days).

Since Christmas and vacation time (usually in May or June) are the only occasions that I spend significant time with family, I was looking forward to the atmosphere (i.e. jokes with my brother, girl chats with sis, sharing stories, laughing, etc.).

Spending time with my nephew, Roger, is still one of the highlights. Now I have another nephew, Robert, who arrived on the scene a couple of years ago.

We are still getting to know each other.  Since I see him twice a year, I have to re-introduce myself each time.  This year, it was easier.  (It’s amazing what chasing and tickling a two and 1/2 year old does to “break” the ice.)

Well, one particular day, while chasing and tickling Robert, I heard him call me Auntie….for the first time.  I gasped in shock and immediately wanted to know if someone else had witnessed his little voice call me by the name that he would come to know and hopefully love me.

Later that night, I recalled how sweet his little voice sounded when he reached for me and said, “Auntie.” Sure he will come to know that Auntie Shelly is not perfect, but I want him to know that he is simply loved-no matter what.  After all, family is who knows you best and loves you most. (At least that’s how it is with my family.)

The only thing sweeter would be to see him “reach” for Jesus and call on the Name above all names, coming to know Him as Savior and Lord and coming to love Him. 

Father, thank you for family.  I am truly amazed at the depth of their love for me.  Help me love them as well–especially the newest member of the family.  He is so young and has much to learn.  Lord, in all that he learns, may he gain the understanding of just how much you love him so that he accepts the Name above all names as his Savior and Lord.