My granddad is one of the most gentle, kind men I’ve ever met. I cherished my visits with my grandparents. Every time we’d go over there, my granddad would take my sister and I into his Archway Cookies delivery truck, which looked a lot like a white UPS truck, to pick out a package of cookies.
He always smells like spearmint, wearing sweatsuits that carry the charred seal from too much time at the fireplace.
He is a rock, solid in his faith. But unfortunately, he is a victim to years of Alzheimer’s. He can’t remember words any more and rarely recognizes family members. It is absolutely heart breaking.
I smile though. Every nursing home he has ever been a guest at has gushed over his sweet spirit. My granddad no longer has control over his actions, yet still the love of Christ beams from him. How is this possible?
Years of dedication to the Word, paired with utter humility in front of the Father, have molded an unbreakable, unwavering follower of Christ.
Not even a disease that robs the memory can steal the joy of Christ.
Proverbs 8
32 And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways.33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord…
For us to be authentic believers, in both times of trial and of bliss, we should muster our identity and character as that of one who waits. We wait at his gates, watching for a glimpse of His splendor. We wait beside His doors for a touch of His healing. We listen to hear His instructions for the day – and our life. That one moment, when the light of the world shines on our faces, we will change forever.
A glow like that won’t go away. A glow like that marks you permanently. A glow like that means you won’t have to “act” nice. The unfathomable love of Christ will glare from you.
My granddad may not remember who he is anymore. But he knows WHOSE he is.
When all of your control is stripped away, what is left? When your patience has been worn to the bone and your stress level is at an all time high, what do you look like? Whose do you look like?
Photo by Nick
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