Yesterday I had the gift of doing lunch with my grandma. My grandma is 87 and one of those women in my life I look up to. Her solid faith, her joy, her generosity and abounding love for people and Christ is contagious.
Last year was one in which life events awakened me to the realization that life is very impermanent and people like her will not be around me for ever, and possibly not even very long. If I allow last year to teach me, I learn to appreciate the moments I have with others, to criticize them less and love them more. After all, we are not promised tomorrow. With this realization and the almost guarantee in life that you will reflect those you are around, I made a commitment in my heart to spend more time with those I love and those I admire to be like.
Back to grandma. Since I’m desiring to understand Faith more this year, I wanted to place my grandma in my life more. How does she look at things, what’s her perspective, her view, her practices, her heart? God is so good to give me her in the first place! And I want to say “Thank you” by giving him back my time and being with her.
You might not say yesterday was profound or noteworthy, but it was soul feeding. We enjoyed chatting, catching up on life, talking about Faith and those we love. We watched snow begin to fall soft and calm and talked about this Winter. A moment beautiful simply for it’s sense of home, belonging, and connection.
And seemingly normal time together there was something that hit me about Faith yesterday. Faith takes time. My grandma is on a journey as much as I am. A life of Faith, devotion to God and allowing His work in us is just that: a journey. It isn’t quick, it won’t be over night or in simple steps. It’s a daily, moment by moment, trusting, choosing and practicing small acts that take Faith. My grandma reminded me one day she was 27, just like I am, and one day I will be 87 (if God wills), just as she is.
So may I choose this Hope – this hope that everyday moves along, and with God’s help and grace, as we keep choosing Him, trusting Him, and following Him in the uncertainties of life, He is making us full of Faith and beauty.
