I am who I am because
of who my grandma is.
I say “is” because she lived her
life in such a way that she is still alive today. Not only in memories and
attributes she deposited in each of us, but also before the throne of her
father. Now fully alive, even more alive than she ever was here.
If there is anything that anyone
could ever express about Grandma Pat, it’s of her love. The love that she
tangibly expresses daily is one that reflects the heart of God. She was at
EVERY major event in my life. Selflessly, in every way imaginable it flows from
her. Her joy-filled smile to express her
excitement to see you, sharing who she is with anyone and everyone she meets.
She doesn’t just hold love in her heart, but expresses it to make a lasting
impact on the world.
My Grandma is a LOVER.
One thing that blesses my heart is that she is always
giving. She would save up her change and
give me a bag full to give to missionaries in Africa. It would only be a few
dollars worth, but she gives what she has. She made up a shoebox each year to
send Christmas gifts to those who have so little. Whenever I traveled
out of the country for missions she gave $5 each month to support what Jesus
and I were up to.
My Grandma is a GIVER.
A good word
is never to far from my grandma’s lips. She is quick to point out a job well
done. A card sent out for every occasion signed with Love ‘N Prayers from
Grandma Pat.
My Grandma is an ENCOURAGER.
Once we
pulled out every stuffed animal in the yard, made snacks, crowns out of little
white flowers to celebrate the marriage of our Teddy bears and threw them a
huge wedding party.
With every
game a life lesson learned: lessons about how to enter in, of how to be
prepared for any given situation. She knows how to value a child and validate
them recognizing where they are at and investing and encouraging their play.
My Grandma is an
ENGAGER and a TEACHER, PRESENT to every opportunity.
When she’d
stay with us, night after night would be filled with stories of the “Good Old
Days” as I would call it. Sharing the details of life’s ups and downs many of
her kids and their lives and maybe a handful of others here. At bed time, Gabby
and I would beg for one more Good Old Day Story.
My Grandma is a
STORYTELLER.
My grandma
is not afraid to take risks, break through social norms to love, protect, care
for and be with kids or grandkids. Her travels are many from the picnics in the
park, to venturing around the country, and even to Costa Rica. Nothing can hold
her back with boldness and extreme vigor she goes forward.
My grandma is an
ADVENTUROUS PIONEER
She would
punch holes in construction paper and have us weave yarn through the holes with
a needle made of cardboard. She made every Halloween costume, p.j.s, shirts,
pillos, scrunchies for birthdays and Christmas. She decorated her apartment with
each season. We made SO many crafts: pencil holders, play dough, collages- I
can’t even count the number of crafts we completed.
My Grandma is
CREATIVE and CRAFTY.
These are
just a few of the many attributes my grandma shares and holds. Many, I’m sure, gained along the way. Swimming through many of life’s waters, both rough and
smooth. No matter how turbulent the waters she swims through with such poise
and grace. And even know, I can’t help but think she is swimming .
I want to invite you into
something…
I’ve been thinking about heaven a lot in the last couple of
weeks. So imagine with me a moment.
4 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven!
And the first voice which I had heard addressing me like [the calling of] a [a]war trumpet said, Come up
here, and I will show you what must take place in the future.
2 At once I came under the [Holy] Spirit’s power, and behold, a
throne stood in heaven, with One seated on the throne!
3 And He Who sat there appeared like [the crystalline brightness of]
jasper and [the fiery] sardius, and encircling the throne there was a halo that
looked like [a rainbow of] emerald.
4 Twenty-four other thrones surrounded the throne, and seated on
these thrones were twenty-four elders ([b]the members of the heavenly
Sanhedrin), arrayed in white clothing, with crowns of gold upon their heads.
5 Out from the throne came flashes of lightning and rumblings and
peals of thunder, and in front of the throne seven blazing torches burned,
which are the seven Spirits of God [[c]the sevenfold Holy Spirit];
6 And in front of the throne there was also what looked like a
transparent glassy sea, as if of crystal. And around the throne, in the center
at each side of the throne, were four living creatures (beings) who were full
of eyes in front and behind [with intelligence as to what is before and at the
rear of them].
7 The first living creature (being) was like a lion, the second
living creature like an ox, the third living creature had the face of a man,
and the fourth living creature [was] like a flying eagle.
8 And the four living creatures, individually having six wings, were
full of eyes all over and within [underneath their wings]; and day and night
they never stop saying, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty (Omnipotent),
Who was and Who is and Who is to come.
9 And whenever the living creatures offer glory and honor and
thanksgiving to Him Who sits on the throne, Who lives forever and ever (through
the eternities of the eternities),
10 The twenty-four elders ([d]the members of the heavenly
Sanhedrin) fall prostrate before Him Who is sitting on the throne, and they
worship Him Who lives forever and ever; and they throw down their crowns before
the throne, crying out,
11 Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the
honor and dominion, for You created all things; by Your will they were [brought
into being] and were created.
-Revelation 4:1-10 Amplified Version
Because of who Grandma Pat is, what draws me particularly lately
is the sea of glass. Liquid like sea? Solid like glass? Is it both? Regardless
I can totally picture grandma swimming around the throne praising the Lord with
an aquatic dance.
She lived her
life responding to the invitation of her Father. She started that dance, that
life here and paved the way for me, and many here to enter in and truly live life.
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