Amazing Gracie

I first met Gracie at our son’s engagement party. She was an adopted grandma to the family of his bride to be. We found Grandma Gracie to be delightful from the moment we met her, and enjoyed seeing her at all the gatherings that followed the wedding that joined our two families.

Nothing about her life would necessarily make the world take notice. She worked until her retirement at the telephone company. Over the years she spent her time volunteering at her church and the local hospital. Nevertheless, her life was remarkable. She made friends wherever she went. She loved children and loved to tell them about Jesus. Her involvement in the children’s ministry at her church left an imprint on children that followed them into adulthood. She spent her life caring for others. She ministered to shut-ins. She generously gave away her homemade sugar cookies. She sent cards and notes of encouragement that probably numbered in the thousands.

A stroke caused her to spend her last years in a nursing home. Through on-going health issues, she never lost her joy. The staff at the care center reported that she was always encouraging to them. They said Gracie was the first to greet new residents and make sure they felt comfortable and welcome. She continued ministering to others through her cards and notes. She believed that God blesses us–any of us–so that we can be a blessing to others. She lived that out beautifully, and those around her were truly blessed. She focused so much on others, it hardly seemed she gave herself any thought at all.

At her funeral, the pastor addressed the full-to-the-brim church and asked how many of those present were not physically related to Gracie, but considered her family. The whole church stood up. Only a handful of those in attendance were actual relatives.

The procession of cars to the cemetery was the longest I have ever seen personally for anyone. Even the funeral director was impressed by the string of vehicles. As we wove our way through town, those who had to wait in the traffic held back at every intersection must have wondered what very important person had drawn such a response.

Gracie loved Jesus, loved people, and spread joy. A very important person indeed!

It is easy to appreciate those around us through whom God brings blessing. What if more of us strived to be a blessing?

I am grateful that for a season, her life touched mine; that I could  know the twinkle in her eye and her broad smile. I am thankful for the example she set. Because I know God keeps His promises, I know that my heavenly future includes seeing her again. Praise God.

And above all put on love . . . and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . .And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:14,15, 17

I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.

Blessings,
Phyllis

Copyright 2022 Phyllis L. Farringer