These pictures from our dinner tonight tell the story. I don’t need to say a word. (But I will.)

You can see his mind working—what can I do with a spoon and fork?

I’m sure he’s not the first toddler to ask that question in his mind.

After a few tries the spoon links to the fork. What is the next obvious move? To raise it in the air in triumph!

The Grand is thrilled! And we are thrilled with him! Cheers all around!

These pictures probably wouldn’t have been taken twenty years ago. Most likely I would have not allowed the silliness, I mean creativity, at the table when our girls were little. I regret that.

But now that I’m the Nana, discovery and creativity are celebrated at dinner. One of the best parts of the job is to watch his process, experience his discovery with him, and then celebrate his victory.

And besides, he ate a good dinner. It’s all good.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.