Some things I can’t remember to save my life.
Like the name of the person I just met at church.
Or my husband’s cell phone number.
Other memories, hang in my mind like a picture painted by a famous artist. They are colorful and vivid. They are stories each one of them. I can close my eyes and walk through the gallery in my mind. I stop to consider each one. Reaching up I take it down off the wall and hold it close to my heart. And because my words flow easier than my art, I share it here…
I was about seven years old. She said we would go to town. She said we’d do lunch just the two of us and go shopping. She was my grandma – all 4 feet 11 inches of her. But the problem was, she didn’t drive.
“I’ll call a taxi.” “We’ll go on Saturday.” She said, and we did.
This amuses me now, because we truly lived in a 1 stop light town. I’m sure there was only 1 taxi as well. Lucky for us, that day, it was available.
We went by way of Brooksie’s Diner. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and a real vanilla cola. I felt so grown up sitting in that red leather booth. I had never gone to lunch before.
After lunch, we walked to the Five and Dime. Every kid knew that the best stuff was downstairs. Most days, I strolled those aisles with only a wish and a prayer. Today would be different.
She said, “You can pick out anything you like.”
“Anything Grandma?” I confirmed.
“Anything.” She replied.
I knew what I wanted. I had my eye on it for months. It was a white baby doll seat. It came with a floral print cushion. It lay down. It sat up. It was awesome.
I smiled taking it in my hands and said, “Thank you.”
“Is that all you want?”
Her response stunned me.
“I can get more than one thing?” I questioned.
“Yes, whatever you want.” She said.
Needless to say, getting back into that taxi I held onto a new doll, diaper bag, disappearing milk bottles, and the beloved doll carrier. But, the thing that I remember most was the look in her eyes. They were smiling with delight.
So here I sit now, all grown up and sentimental for a real vanilla cola and just one more afternoon with my little Grandma. As great as that would be, I have something even better. A Father in Heaven who loves nothing more than to hear my dreams and make them come true. I’m not talking about the stuff you can buy at the local Five and Dime. My list has changed to things like becoming the wife and mother He wants me to be, the chance to encourage a friend, and seeing my children grow in wisdom before The Lord. I love this truth in James 1:17 about the kind of gifts He gives:
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
His gifts are good and complete {perfect}. The best part is, the Giver does not change. He is the same God who gave us the stars in the sky to light our way and His Son on Calvary to purchase our freedom. He still gives good gifts to His children. Do you see His eyes? They are smiling with delight. And His delight is for eternity.
By Stacey, 29lincolnavenue
Teri Lynne Underwood says
Beautiful. My great-grandmother was 4’10” and such a lady. From her I learned lessons about being a lady and loving ministry life. She was 96 when she passed away a few years ago. I use a pitcher that she and my great-grandfather purchased on a vacation shortly after they married as a pen holder on my desk. I’m not sure how many times a day I glance at that pitcher or grab a pen from it, but every time I recall a true lady – who extended grace to everyone, who lived her life as a fragrant offering to her Savior, and who taught me that strength isn’t size of body, it’s size of love.
Stacey says
Teri Lynne – that pitcher that poured out many sweet tea reminders of the Lord’s grace, now holds the pens that you use to bless others with your heartfelt words! You are still pouring out the grace! She would be so proud of you girl!
Holley Gerth says
Sweet Stacey, I love your tender heart, beautiful words, and the way you used both to encourage us this morning. Thank you for this reminder. I needed it! So happy you’re here. 🙂
Stacey says
Honored and humbled my friend! Thanks for the chance to share a story that has a special place in my heart.
Becky says
Dear Stacey,
Your post has encouraged me more than you can know. After just spending some time in the Word and praying (and I was sharing my dreams with Him), I go to email and see the notice from (in)Courage and click through and find your post. It had me in tears. The fact that your post was a reminder that we have “A Father in Heaven who loves nothing more than to hear my dreams and make them come true” and that He is “delighted” to do so was more than I could take. I think that I’d been afraid to hope that He really cared about my dreams and this post felt like it was a message from Him just for me. Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder.
Stacey says
Becky – this word of encouragement is for you my sister! I prayed this morning that God would lead the women here, who really needed to know that He delights in them! You are not here by chance! And now that I know your name, I am thanking the Father for His faithfulness to do just that!
Becky says
And I’m thanking Him, too! 🙂
Janis@Open My Ears Lord says
Stacey,
I really enjoyed your story, the way you told it, and the analogy with our Heavenly Father. I guess it especially touched me because I had an aunt who did not drive. When my parent’s anniversary was nearing and I wanted to buy them something special, she took me by bus “uptown” to find the perfect gift. It is a fond memory as well.
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Janis
shelly @ Life on the Wild Side says
What a wonderful story, Stacy! I love that the Father delights in us! He doesn’t shrug his shoulders and say, “Ugh. What does she want NOW?” He delights. That’s so great!
Stacey says
So true Shelly! I’m so glad we ‘met’ here in this place!
Jennifer L. says
this is beautiful and made me teary. there’s nothing like our memories with loved ones who are no longer with us. i have lost both of my grandmothers and one grandfather. i have special memories with all of them.
thank you for sharing!
Jen Ferguson says
I lost my grandmother just a few months ago and oh how she would delight in giving me gifts. What a sweet reminder that my amazing Father can do that…and so much more.
SomeGirl says
What a beautiful example of God’s love for us and His desire to give us good gifts! You have such a wonderful way with words! ♥ Michelle
Jennifer says
That made me teary. You could have been writing about my Grandma who I remember so vividly. And I miss her so much. She was always doing stuff like that for me, too. Taking me shopping to get back-to-school clothes and calling it “Jennifer Day.” I was just reflecting today about how glorious it will be to be in heaven one day with her…and all the saints.
Stacey says
My grandma also used to slip me a $20 now and then… I miss that too! But “Jennifer day?” How cool is that! I hope you enjoyed the sweet memories today and they made you smile!
Thanks for being here today!
Kim Bauer says
That was beautifully written and heartfelt. I was beginning to relive moments from my childhood through yours. I love that in the imenseness of that memory and your relationship with your grandmother, there is still something deeper for you which is your relationship with God.
It made me think.
Kim
http://www.confabulicious.com
Jeedoo says
Love this. Great story–and truth. Good writing. And I love the (in)courage theme!!! I live my life to encourage people–yes to help put courage into them.
Stacey says
Thanks so much Judy for your kind words! It means so much to me that you would stop by and encourage me. May you find His delight in you today!
Susie says
Thank y ou for sharing. I never knew my grandparents on either side. The Lord has blessed me with many sets of grandparents throughout my parents evangelistic ministry..I am grateful for those adopted grandparents.
Barbara Galloway says
I am so glad I have found someone else who cannot remember the person they just met at church and their husband’s cell phone number. I got hit, as a pedestrian a few years ago at a Lowe’s store. Had a concussion. The sun was so bright I could not see my cell phone letters/numbers. Maybe the concussion had something to do with my sight also at that time. But, you know, not one person of all the people standing around me gauking, would take my cell phone and find my husband’s number! Luckily for me, he just happened along at that time.
Stacey says
Oh Barbara! I am the worst at remembering his number, and I don’t have the excuse of being hit by a car either. I think it is understandable you would not remember it in that situation. So glad you are ok!
My problem is that I always confuse it with his social security number! I have to say the SS # out loud, then I can remember the cell number! 🙂
Michelle says
What a ‘delightful’ story! I felt like I was tagging along for the afternoon. I want to take some of my own paintings down and linger over them, specifically ones of my sweet Grandmothers. Thanks for the heart encouragement, Stacey! 🙂
Stacey says
What a nice thing to say Michelle! So glad you were encouraged by this. I am looking forward to chatting face to face next month at Relevant! Just days away now!
willowsprite says
I loved this post. It brought tears to my eyes!
Stacey says
Tears of joy I hope! Know that He is singing over you with great delight today!
Zeph 3:17,
Stacey
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