My heart busted right open when I heard that first newborn cry. Our first grandchild is a bright, delightful little person. If she's over at our house, all the family comes, too. Her aunties and uncles cannot get enough of her. When Grandbaby and her parent's come to visit, schedules clear, plans adjust - we all want to sit and take her in.

Along with this depth of love pounding in my chest, I notice something else. Slipping in amongst the awe and delight is worry. It is a familiar worry connected to a younger version of myself. I haven't perceived this gnawing at my heart for quite some time - not since my kids were little. When I first became a mom, I couldn't believe they let me take that sweet, vulnerable tiny baby home from the hospital. He came with no instruction manual and an immense responsibility to keep him safe.

It is a familiar kind of worry attached to the indescribable adoration I feel for this little girl. But now, my confidence is buoyed by what I know. I am my older, wiser self, and I know how to pray.

Grandma use to pray out loud by her bed every night
To me it sounded like mumbling, like she was out of her mind
She said, Boy this kind of praying is what saved my life
You outta try it some time; now I know she was right

And I know the good work that God is doing in her parents. A work that is not complete. An ongoing purposeful work of grace, love, and growth.

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:4-6

When your heart is gripped with anxiety about your kids being in this upside-down world, talk to Jesus. He has plans for us, and he has plans for our kids.

Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music's song, Talking To Jesus tells the story of how we can get through the messy uncertainty of parenting.

Mama use to drag me to church, Sunday morning and Wednesday nights
Khaki pants and a polo shirt, boy, I put up a fight
She said, Son, one day you'll thank me for having God in your life
And yeah I know she was right, yeah my mama was right

Get them talking to Jesus. That is the antidote to my worry. Knowing that the ones my heart bursts for know Him. They see this friend who will never let them down. He will never leave them out. He will never leave them alone. He will never take offense, and He will always forgive. He is never too busy or distracted. With Him, there is no favoritism. No competition. No fear. What a friend!

Thank God they are talking to Jesus.

Tracey Dahl, M.A. is a writer and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Langley, BC (Canada). She is married to Ryan Dahl (Founder of PraiseCharts) and the mother of four grown children. Talking To Jesus was written by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music and featured on the album Talking To Jesus.