It was a life filled with joy: family, marriage, 3 children, 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, friends, faith, vacations, a home.
Yet it was hard. Life is hard. She had plenty to complain about...and complain she did. Like all of us, she was not perfect. Yet she didn't complain about the things one would think. Of all the tragedy she endured, she always spoke of the Good Lord. He was always Good. No circumstance made Him bad. She accepted what He gave and lived her life. Yes. It was ordinary. And it was valuable. I remember some of the great pieces of wisdom she gave me in recent years. Once when I apologized to her that our bathroom wasn't clean, she said, "Honey, if you don't say anything, nobody will notice." That has given me a lot of freedom. Another time, when I was struggling with raising our son, I asked her, "Grandma, how did you do it?! And with three? I only have one." Her answer was quick and calm, "Patience and fortitude, my dear. Patience and fortitude." I looked up patience and fortitude following that conversation. The definitions are great. I printed them out and posted them on a cabinet in our kitchen. Grandma was right, and I refer to them often. Great wisdom for every parent. Most recently, I was sharing with Grandma how we were working on slowing down so we wouldn't be so busy. Her response? "It's good to be busy as long as you're not dizzy." I love this. And again, she's right. We don't want to be idle and lazy. Yet we also don't want to be spinning out of control, unable to enjoy the life we're living. I could go on and on. I realize this is a longer message then normal. You may be wondering, "How does this relate to my life?" I think about one of the passages read at her funeral. From John 14 Jesus is talking about how He goes and prepares a place for us. In verse 6 Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." I think Grandma knew this. Life is a gift. Yet life, both now and after death, comes only through Jesus Christ. He is the way. He is the truth. He is life. What about your life? Are you living? Or are you existing...going through the motions and going to sleep and getting up and doing it all again? Do you think your life is simply ordinary? What if your life is like Grandma's? Ordinary, yet impactful, meaningful, and valuable? I'm not sure Grandma knew just how valuable she was. I wish she did. Do you know how valuable you are? This day you must decide: are you going to have life? Then have Jesus. And you'll be guaranteed life now, and life later. Thank you my dear Grandma Rose, for being a key part in my life. I love you. Originally published through Fruitful Branches Coaching © 2015 Mellany Zepelak and Fruitful Branches Coaching LLC © Sanctuary of Home™ All Rights Reserved
2 Comments
Sandy Honza
11/14/2023 08:01:09 am
Hmm . . . the memories - the blessings - the love of a life well lived. She had a tough crust but a tender core. Thank you for remembering her well and sharing how she’s touched and influenced your life for the better, as she did mine and many others. You are following in her footsteps as you share the good Lord’s words & love, encouraging and giving hope with your gifts of writing and speaking. Love, Mama 💕
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Judith St. Hilaire
11/26/2023 02:59:10 pm
Aunt Rose was truly a treasure and a blessing. She is missed. ❤️❤️
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