Grandma

I’m going to delve into the personal once more and then hopefully move back to the purpose of my blog. I decided it was necessary that I speak of my Grandma. The stroke she suffered last Sunday, took her life 3 days later. It has been devastating for me and my family. We shared a special bond that will never be duplicated. Even in death her life was a testament to the power of prayer. She had prayed two things in regard to her old age and death; one was to keep her mind. You know, she never lost her mind. On Monday after her stroke she was talking with us just like she always did, and even remembered her friend’s phone numbers. That was a gift from God and a true answer to prayer. Her other request was that she die in her sleep, and that is exactly what happened. She fell asleep and never woke up. The Lord heard her prayers and answered them. While I have peace that she is with the Lord, I am still feeling the pain that she is not here with me. I already miss her laugh, her smile, and her wit. She was a treasure.

The message that her pastor gave at her funeral really spoke to my heart. He compared her to the virtuous woman, and while I’m sure she would tell you that she wasn’t virtuous, her life lined up with that passage perfectly. I don’t think this was probably recognized in her day to day life, but the daily decisions she made added up to a virtuous legacy. She would not take credit for her work, but would give credit to the grace of God. I think that’s they way it is for most Christians. Most of us will never be powerful leaders in the Christian world, many of us won’t be in full time Christian work, but we still have the same opportunity to have an indisputable reputation as a child of God. Our life’s testimony is measured by our love of the Lord and our faithfulness to Him. It became so clear to me that her spiritual stature was not because of one amazing deed, but the culmination of small choices to live her life for the Lord.

One example that came to mind was my Grandma’s work ethic. In her lifetime she worked for the war effort, owned her own beauty parlor, volunteered as a pink lady at the hospital, and dedicated countless hours to her church family. Her reputation was solidified by years of hard work. Her daily choice to be faithful in the use of her time added up to a reputation of faithfulness.

When I think of her it makes me evaluate my own life. Am I building a life that will be remembered for good and not evil? Am I faithful in the small things? Those seemingly small choices to do good and be faithful create a successful Christian life in the eyes of God.

I am thankful for a Grandma who not only told me how to live a righteous life, but showed me by her example. While I am very sad for me, I am happy for her. She is enjoying the eternal rewards of a life well lived by the grace of God.