Dear Grandma...
Today is my grandmother's birthday. This is a big deal. Today she celebrates 93 full and amazing years here on earth. My grandma is a special lady (more on that in a minute) and the only grandparent I ever knew (long story for another time). I often think it's amazing that my kids get to know all four of their grandparents, and we cherish the moments when we are all together.
The past couple of years have been a bit up and down for my grandma in regard to her health and honestly I hate being across the world during this time and also a bit envious when my brothers and cousins get to visit her when they are able (so all y'all give her a hug when you see her next for me!) It's never easy being apart from family, but especially when one is ill. So I write, because it's what I can do...no she's not going to be on Facebook reading the link to our blog, but I know my mom will gladly call her and read this to her. So grandma, here is my birthday present to you!
Dear Grandma,
You are so special to me and I am so glad God chose you to be my grandma. Several things stick out to me as I think about you and should be celebrated today, on your 93rd birthday. Growing up I always knew where you stood on things and saw you model the importance of God and a relationship with Christ. This was (and is) a huge testimony of God's grace in your life and a heritage that remains for the rest of the family. Even a recent story that mom told me, of how you had been encouragement and a source of joy for someone who needed it most is such a challenge to me of how you don't waste an opportunity to be the light of Christ to those around you. I know you are not perfect, who of us is, but you don't allow the struggles, hardships or difficulties cause you to waver from your commitment to Christ. So perfect, no...Faithful, yes. Thank you for setting this example for our family and mostly for being someone who honors the Lord with your life. You have made more impact than you will probably ever know.
Another thing that reminds me of you, is a blue pillow that you gave me many years ago (that I refer to as my "crying pillow"). It used to have two bunnies and many tulips on it, but those stitches have long since disappeared and it has been sewn up multiple times so the stuffing doesn't fall out. I don't remember exactly how old I was when you gave it to me, but what I do know is that the pillow for whatever reason became a source of security and the place where I cried many tears on...hence why I call it my crying pillow. I still sleep with it...I know I probably shouldn't but it helps me sleep well and even my kids love to come in and cuddle up next to me in bed and fight over who gets to lay their head on "mommy's blue pillow". In recent months, the blue pillow has been my reminder to pray for you and when I do, I thank God for you.
You always encouraged music in my life and I'm so thankful you did. Even the last time I was there for a visit, you asked me to sing at your church, a request I was honored to fulfill. As I was reminded of your favorite hymn, How Great Thou Art, and re read the lyrics this week, I believe verse three summarizes the reason why you have chosen to live your life as you do:
And when I think that God his son not sparing,
Sent him to die - I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
You completely understood that God (in His goodness) chose to sacrifice His son, Jesus, in order to save you from your sinful self...this was the truth that steered the trajectory of your life. It is the truth that made you uphold God's word as utmost importance. The truth that reminded you to pray and seek God in all things. The truth that lead you to salvation and hope of eternal life with Him. Wow, I am so glad God captured your heart with His love and compelled you to live in such a way that would point others to Christ. And I thank God that He chose you to be my grandma. There are so many other wonderful stories that I could tell but this blog would be entirely too long! So today, I honor the special woman you are and thank God for you.
I love you, Jenny
I will end with a picture of a favorite moment I have with my grandma...
The past couple of years have been a bit up and down for my grandma in regard to her health and honestly I hate being across the world during this time and also a bit envious when my brothers and cousins get to visit her when they are able (so all y'all give her a hug when you see her next for me!) It's never easy being apart from family, but especially when one is ill. So I write, because it's what I can do...no she's not going to be on Facebook reading the link to our blog, but I know my mom will gladly call her and read this to her. So grandma, here is my birthday present to you!
Dear Grandma,
You are so special to me and I am so glad God chose you to be my grandma. Several things stick out to me as I think about you and should be celebrated today, on your 93rd birthday. Growing up I always knew where you stood on things and saw you model the importance of God and a relationship with Christ. This was (and is) a huge testimony of God's grace in your life and a heritage that remains for the rest of the family. Even a recent story that mom told me, of how you had been encouragement and a source of joy for someone who needed it most is such a challenge to me of how you don't waste an opportunity to be the light of Christ to those around you. I know you are not perfect, who of us is, but you don't allow the struggles, hardships or difficulties cause you to waver from your commitment to Christ. So perfect, no...Faithful, yes. Thank you for setting this example for our family and mostly for being someone who honors the Lord with your life. You have made more impact than you will probably ever know.
Another thing that reminds me of you, is a blue pillow that you gave me many years ago (that I refer to as my "crying pillow"). It used to have two bunnies and many tulips on it, but those stitches have long since disappeared and it has been sewn up multiple times so the stuffing doesn't fall out. I don't remember exactly how old I was when you gave it to me, but what I do know is that the pillow for whatever reason became a source of security and the place where I cried many tears on...hence why I call it my crying pillow. I still sleep with it...I know I probably shouldn't but it helps me sleep well and even my kids love to come in and cuddle up next to me in bed and fight over who gets to lay their head on "mommy's blue pillow". In recent months, the blue pillow has been my reminder to pray for you and when I do, I thank God for you.
You always encouraged music in my life and I'm so thankful you did. Even the last time I was there for a visit, you asked me to sing at your church, a request I was honored to fulfill. As I was reminded of your favorite hymn, How Great Thou Art, and re read the lyrics this week, I believe verse three summarizes the reason why you have chosen to live your life as you do:
And when I think that God his son not sparing,
Sent him to die - I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
You completely understood that God (in His goodness) chose to sacrifice His son, Jesus, in order to save you from your sinful self...this was the truth that steered the trajectory of your life. It is the truth that made you uphold God's word as utmost importance. The truth that reminded you to pray and seek God in all things. The truth that lead you to salvation and hope of eternal life with Him. Wow, I am so glad God captured your heart with His love and compelled you to live in such a way that would point others to Christ. And I thank God that He chose you to be my grandma. There are so many other wonderful stories that I could tell but this blog would be entirely too long! So today, I honor the special woman you are and thank God for you.
I love you, Jenny
I will end with a picture of a favorite moment I have with my grandma...
Jenny Aunt Marjorie is a truly wonderful and blessed soul. I am so glad that we are family. She reminds so much of my Dad. I know he is smiling down on her daily and amazed and proud of all she has done and continues to do in God's eyes. I am blessed to be her niece. Love all you guys and sending prayers.
ReplyDeleteJenny Aunt Marjorie is a truly wonderful and blessed soul. I am so glad that we are family. She reminds so much of my Dad. I know he is smiling down on her daily and amazed and proud of all she has done and continues to do in God's eyes. I am blessed to be her niece. Love all you guys and sending prayers.
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