Today, my grandma cried
Monday, January 24, 2005
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I called my grandmother today. I had intentionally not sent her a Let's Start Talking fundraising letter because I knew funds were tight and I didn't want her to have to give. Well, last week she sent me a really nice note and check for a lot to go towards the mission trip. I was overcome by her generosity and sacrifice. Lord, please bless her and reward her for her gift! But today, I finally got to call her and visit with her and thank her and all that good stuff.
At one point, she started talking about how she can't keep up with everybody's health because everyone has something wrong with them. She is 79. She then asked me to remember one of her elders in the church there who was fighting cancer. As she finished telling me this, she broke into tears as she said something like, "I believe God allowed pain in the world so that we would remember that this world is not our home." Now I'm not sure when the last time was you heard a family member cry, but when you hear your own grandmother cry over the phone, it leaves a deep impression on your heart. She is very aware of the nearness and certainty of death and it is so sad to see so many around you hurting and dying.
I'm not sure what it's going to take, but for all my friends and family who read this, WE MUST KEEP A DEATH PERSPECTIVE. Tracey and I listened to Tuesdays with Morrie and it talks a lot about death. We college folks tend to be insulated from it, but it still happens all around us and many have died from campus. Don't let Satan so distract you with temporary things that you lose sight of the eternal things. Reflection on death keeps us focused in life on what is most important, what is lasting, where we should invest the most time, money, and energy. And we follow a savior who says "follow me to a cross." Death is all around us. Let me help you. I need your help too. I love you all.
At one point, she started talking about how she can't keep up with everybody's health because everyone has something wrong with them. She is 79. She then asked me to remember one of her elders in the church there who was fighting cancer. As she finished telling me this, she broke into tears as she said something like, "I believe God allowed pain in the world so that we would remember that this world is not our home." Now I'm not sure when the last time was you heard a family member cry, but when you hear your own grandmother cry over the phone, it leaves a deep impression on your heart. She is very aware of the nearness and certainty of death and it is so sad to see so many around you hurting and dying.
I'm not sure what it's going to take, but for all my friends and family who read this, WE MUST KEEP A DEATH PERSPECTIVE. Tracey and I listened to Tuesdays with Morrie and it talks a lot about death. We college folks tend to be insulated from it, but it still happens all around us and many have died from campus. Don't let Satan so distract you with temporary things that you lose sight of the eternal things. Reflection on death keeps us focused in life on what is most important, what is lasting, where we should invest the most time, money, and energy. And we follow a savior who says "follow me to a cross." Death is all around us. Let me help you. I need your help too. I love you all.
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God works in mysterious ways. I am thankful for your grandmother and what she has taught you and what you shared to us through her. I admire people who are able to give so generously and with great sacrifice. It remembers of the women in the parable with 2 coins. Your grandmother will be reward with God one day.
I do forget that death is a reality a lot of times. It usual takes someone close to me dying or someone my age for me to realize that because of sin there is death and we need to remember that ....and as Michael Bates said from the Tim McGraw song Live as if you were dying! That really puts things into perspective. I hope that I can remember that....thanks for sharing with us.
I really enjoyed getting to know you better this weekend. Thanks for your dedication to the campus ministry....it is a blessing to have you!
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