“Papa, Num Num”

by Ray Reuter on August 21, 2014

DSC_0832 - Version 2Grandson Larry calls all desired snacks and treats “num nums.” He will come to me in the sweetest way and say, “Papa, num num.” Sometimes I am willing to fulfill his desire for a snack such as fun fruits or goldfish, and at other times I will deny his request — “not now Larry” accompanied frequently with an explanation such as … “it’s almost lunch time,” “you just had a snack,” “after you play for a bit.” Most of the time this satisfies and life continues. Other times the desire and resistance grow stronger and emotions flare up such as anger, sadness, frustration, confusion, and so forth. Larry — and the other grandkids — simply do not understand. And even though I love them dearly, I know what is best for them and I deny the request for “num nums” at the time of their request.

One of the greatest benefits of being a grandfather is that I understand my Heavenly Father so much better, and have drawn closer to Him. I think of how often I ask for “num nums” of all varieties — what I think is best for me and what I want / need now. I know my Father hears my prayer and many times my desired “num num” does not happen. Sometimes I accept this reality and move on. Other times I get emotional — angry, frustrated, confused — and I persist wanting / demanding what I think I need right now! Having a “num num” right now consumes me. And yet God loves me so much that he denies my request because he knows what is best for me overall. Like Larry and the other grandkids, this denial can be hard to accept … unless we fully realize and embrace the LOVE that surrounds that relationship.

Larry, Calvin, Henry, Lucy, etc. know how much they are loved and they eventually work through their emotions. Similarly, we also want to know how much we are loved by God and let go of our emotions and put our full faith and trust in Our Father.

So keep asking Our Heavenly Papa for “num nums” — and know that He always gives us what is best for us.

(picture of Larry enjoying some “num nuns.”)

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Sonia October 28, 2015 at 3:41 pm

I always want’s to have a tatoto but I don’t know where or what part of my body it best fits. Does it hurts? just wondering, cause I never done it before.

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