This past week was a hard one. My grandma passed away on Sunday night and is now, as we like to say at summer camp, partying with Jesus. I've realized that it is incredibly difficult for me to put into words how close I was to my grandma, how much I loved her, and how huge the role was that she played in my life. The only thing I know to say is- I was so lucky. Most people that I know rarely get to see their grandparents. They have to plan a visit months ahead, arrange a vacation, or wait for a special occasion to spend time with grandma and grandpa. Not me…
My grandma lived 20 minutes away from my house my entire life. My grandma came to my birthday parties, cooked my favorite meal on the holidays when it was my turn to choose, took my brothers and I Elfing, and was only a short drive away if I wanted to have lunch. Her treat 🙂
She was at my high school graduation, came to my college soccer games, and sent me random cards while I was in school just to let me know that she was thinking about me.
This week I lost more than a grandparent. I lost a friend, a supporter, and a role model. But I know that heaven really did gain an angel this week. And while there were differences in the way we practiced our faith, my grandma's love for the Lord was contagious. I drew strength from her, I was encouraged by her unwavering commitment to prayer, and I hope to one day be like her in the way that she was constantly serving others and giving selflessly of herself and the things she had. Theres no doubt in my mind that on Sunday night as we stood around her bed in tears saying goodbye, God stood at the gates of heaven with his arms open wide saying to her, well done my good and faithful servant…well done.
6 months from today I'll be leaving my family, my friends, and my comfortable life here at home, to go serve in 11 different countries for a year. I am so excited for such an incredible opportunity to share God's love with people around the world. My grandma set such a beautiful example for me here on earth of what it looks like to love and serve people. She instilled in me values of selflessness, gentleness, and kindness. There was nothing more important to her than family, and because of that I can leave knowing that I have a HUGE support system back home in my family. As I continue preparing to go on this journey in January, I do so now with a bigger heart, and a little bit of a pep in my step. I know…I know that grandma is watching over me. And I hope I make her proud.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:1-2
I LOVE YOU GRANDMA.
