Happy Mother's Day

 Today I'll wear my grandmother's necklace since it's Mother's Day.  I never knew her as she passed from cancer at 66 when I was an infant.  She was inflicted with polio as a child and had life-long illnesses.  

My other grandmother passed from heart disease very suddenly when I was just five.  I have flashes of memories of her, her lazy Susan on her dining table and Snickers bars in the freezer.  She kinda smelled of vicks and cherry cough drops, but I felt loved in her care.  

I remember my great grandmother more.  She passed when I was nine.  Her baking was unmatched!  I remember coming home from school and being greeted by her open arms, slippery in her rayon "house dress."  There were the spoils of her and Mom's day sitting, cooling on the stove.  Cinnamon rolls and golden brown loaves of bread.  Famous all over town for her apple dumplings, she would rock me to the quiet hums of her crooning voice.  From that lap is where I'm sure I first heard the name of Jesus.  

I'm envious of people who made it to adulthood with their grandmothers.  Not having them, I think, made me a different person.  There are times like today that I regret that.  

But then as I approach fifty this coming year,  I realize that God has transitioned me into a new role as Auntie and Mimi and Miss Crystal the Sunday School teacher for a new generation of little ones, like I once was.  Maybe I wasn't permitted much time with my own grandmothers,  but at least for right now, God’s given me the opportunity to love and influence some other kids in my life.  Maybe none of them are biologically tied to me, but maybe God doesn't care about that little fact.  Maybe He just wants the name of Jesus to be shared as little ones grow.  It was shared with me and I'm so thankful!  

Our granddaughter Jane will be dedicated today with her church family in Jacksonville.   And while we can't be there because of distance, I pray a hedge of protection and love to surround her this day and throughout her life as she grows in the knowledge of her Redeemer!  

I think my grandmothers must have prayed over me as a child.  Continue to pray for all the little kids in your life and when you can, tell them about Jesus!  

Happy Mother's Day! 🩷

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. - Proverbs 31:25, 28