It seems only days since she was born. To this grandmother she was the most beautiful newborn in the hospital nursery. Even though it came as a complete shock to us, we loved her shining red hair. I remember at the age of two that gorgeous red hair was curled into ringlets around her head. And her mother always kept her adorned with a bright bow to match whatever she was wearing for the day.

Then before we hardly realized what had happened Faith was kindergarten age. Her khaki shorts and hunter green t-shirt with her school emblem complimented her then long red curls. The next thing we knew, we were hunting a prom dress for a maturing young lady who had grown into a shining example of what a daughter and granddaughter should be. She worked hard those school years and we watched as she claimed many school awards.

And then suddenly, it seemed, she was passing the test for a driving permit. Our first grandchild was no longer a child, but a young adult who had matured right before our eyes.

And then today her granddad came in with a set of keys and gave them to her. "The car is yours," he said with a big lump in his throat. The big grin that covered her face showed her gratefulness. As she backed out of the driveway and headed up the street, it seemed a repeat of several years ago when her mother did the same thing.

We are seeing the signs of adulthood as she takes the responsibility of driving her own car. Also, the signs of spiritual growth from this first granddaughter have come forth these past weeks and months. Just last week she attended a Christian Camp with many of her church and school friends. There they learned the importance of loving God and loving one another. I now see her reading her Bible before she goes to bed at night gleaning bits of wisdom that will be needed as she enters the world of work and higher education.

All of us grow physically. The bodies develop and handsome young men and beautiful young women replace the awkward stages of adolescence. We, as parents and grandparents, understand the importance of teaching them Biblical principles, and about making God their primary concern. They must learn to put God first in their lives and to fill their thoughts with His desires. His character becomes their standard as they seek to obey and serve Him.

People (their friends), objects (first cars), and goals in life must not bump God out of first place in their lives. As her family we were all aware that Faith must choose Jesus first. Our grown-up Faith shared that vision with us as the car keys were transferred from Granddad’s hand to hers.

You, too, can trust God to protect you physically and grow you spiritually when you put Him foremost in your life. Eagerly choose to let God have first place in every area of your life.