Old and New

My Dearest Olivia,

On this first day after the first month since your birth, I decide to write my first letter to you, my first granddaughter.

As the Bible says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." You were born at the time when I was about to retire from my over three decades of working in higher education. Though there is an age difference of 64 years between us, we have this in common - we are both starting a new life in the year 2008. For every baby coming into this world, the new life is God given. So is the post-retirement new life of a God's child. You see, as you experience new things everyday and gradually grow up under the loving care of your parents, I am also enjoying new grace and blessings coming into my life everyday from our Heavenly Father. Irrespective of our age, old or young, God bestow upon us new blessings as long as we abandon our old ways and renew our lives in Him.

So my beloved Olivia, may I give you my blessings herewith. May God give you faith, hope and love so that you will be walking a life in His path that pleases Him. Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Be grateful and give thanks when your path is straight and smooth, and courageously face the future with determined faith and hope when the road is winding and bumpy. Always enjoy the abundant love from your family and God above, and share it with people around you. May God also give you wisdom and knowledge so that you can make discerning judgment about good and evil. Lead a God-fearing life because the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through God your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

Love always,

Grandpa