The passing of time is such a mysterious and yet measurable occurrence. We can watch the second hand on a clock or the counter on a timer and see the passing of time. We often lose sight of the effect of time until a milestone occurs. Then we pay attention to the passing of time.
Birthdays are the annual milestone measuring the passing of time. Today mark’s the first birthday of our grand-daughter Norah. Where has this year gone?
I’m reflecting on the fact that I’ve been a Grandma for a year now. I’ve only been with her 5 times in this year unfortunately. That’s the sad side effect of living in another state. 5 times of visiting in one year is more than many people have opportunity to travel; I am extremely grateful. And of course there is the beauty of technology. Thank you Apple engineers for FaceTime.
This morning I’ve also been thinking about the value of having a Grandma.
(great eating habits don’t you think?)
My Gramma was from Texas. She loved to sing. One of her favorites was “The Yellow Rose of Texas”. She taught me names of flowers, how to take care of a garden and see God at work in His creation. Gramma taught me to sew, refinish and repurpose furniture, and value making gifts rather than buying them. When I stayed the night we watched TV shows like Gunsmoke and Rawhide. Gramma also made me memorize the 50 States and their Capitol cities. We played cards and she scratched my back. She was the greatest positive influence on my life. She prayed for me daily.
When I came to faith at 23 (after too many years of foolish choices) I made a trip to visit my Gramma so I could tell her of my life change. She had tears in her eyes and simply quoted Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way she should go (and in keeping with her individual gift or bent) and when she is old she won’t depart from it. (Amplified version and my gender adapted)
As a new believer I’d never heard that verse before. I hadn’t really paid close attention to all my Gramma was doing all those years. But in hindsight I know she rose earlier than everyone else every time I slept over. I wonder if that was her quiet time with the Lord?
My beautiful mother was a terrific Nana to our sons. She read to them, sang funny songs, took them on trips, provided LEGOS by the thousands and taught them how to speak Spanish and play King’s Corners. Both boys (men) have great stories to tell about times with Nana. I can’t do the stories justice because she wasn’t my Grandma.
Now it’s my turn.
I want to be that kind of Grammy for Norah. I’m already praying she’ll make much better choices than I did. She has amazing parents who actively love Jesus and His Word. She’ll see and hear and know what loving God with your whole life looks like. I’m thanking God for all His provisions for her today.
A grandma’s influence can be felt through generations.
What fond memories do you have of time spent with your own Grandma? What did you call her? I’d love to hear!
My Nana would visit us every summer, no matter where we lived. Before I was ten, we moved a few times because my dad was in the Army. She visited us in Virginia, Hawaii and California. The last time she was in California was when my mom, her daughter, died. She was with her the hospital. Nana was a strong person, but most of all, a strong Christian. She spoke of Jesus often, we went to church when she visited. She was so happy when I came to Christ. She died a few years later and I had the privilege of singing ” The Longer I Serve Him.”(I think that’s it)
My other grandma I would see a lot when on the East Coast. We traveled to Maine to their mobile home on several acres and ate BBQ a lot. I loved it. Then we’d go to their cabin on Rangeley Lakes and swim and fish. Last time I was there was for my grandpa’s funeral.
These sound like such great memories Robbin! It’s wonderful that you had time with both sets of grandparents. Now you get to be the influencer!