Just over a year ago, my Grandma Marlene passed away. The grief I experienced was intense because she was so important to me. She was so fun, kind, and gracious. I often look back on her life as if she was a loving, whimsical sort of superhero.
But I knew her well enough to know she was just a person. She had flaws. She made mistakes. And yet, I don’t think about them when I remember her. How did she do that? How was she able to leave such a beautiful mark on this world when she was just a human like the rest of us?
I think the answer to my question lies within the passages we’re looking at today. When I think of Grandma Marlene, I think of Colossians 3, because that’s how she lived her life. She set her mind on eternity. For decades, that was clear. And because of that, do you know what I remember most about her? How happy she was. I loved being around her because she was Psalm 1-level happy. A fruit-filled tree planted by the water. And, she loved me. What a combo.
When my grandma was ten years old, her aunt led her to Jesus and she believed Jesus was the Son of God, risen from the dead. Her faith in His resurrection gave her new eyes for the world. She didn’t set her mind on what was temporary, painful, and ever-changing, but rather on what is eternal, steadfast, and true.
“How happy” are those of us who have handed over our selfishness, those of us who have “put away” the things that only harm us. Being a “new man” isn’t about being shiny and impressive and memorable (Colossians 3:1–11). It’s living in light of the resurrection of Jesus.
He rose from the dead, and so can we. He rose, and so did Grandma’s hope. She was full of hope and life. Her joy in this broken world didn’t make sense. Her love was bottomless. And knowing her changed my life. Knowing her—being loved by her—helped me know and understand the love of the living, resurrected Jesus.
If we strive to be Grandma Marlenes so our grandkids will admire us like we’re folklore, we won’t succeed. Grandma Marlene was not special because she put on an A+ life performance, but because she was like a tree planted by living water. She pursued love and righteousness by pursuing Jesus. May we, too, set our sights on Him.
Dorothy, continuing to pray for you. I am so sorry to hear about your sister’s passing
@rhonda j. Thank you for sharing. I have been in a similar frustrating “season” with my husband and lately it seems never ending. He always seems grumpy or angry about something and it’s hard to listen to and try to remain peaceful. I appreciate you sharing because reading your comment and others helps remind me that I’m not alone. Praying for you
When I read through that devotional I can’t help but think of you all. You all radiate positivity and help me to have a stronger faith. But what a blessing to be apart of this community. @Jen Klassen I don’t know if you’ll read this as I’m posting late but I’m Oregon’s for your difficult season. God sees you and your trials and he’s knows your strength. Hang in there.
The passages today, especially Eph. 4:31-32 have given me the hope & charge to work on softening my heart. I have had a lot of difficulty lately in forgiving others and letting things rest. I have found myself “letting the devil win” so many times because I succumb to the distaste. I pray that my heart is softened this week & that the Holy Spirt works in me to forgive & to love harder. I ask for prayer on this as well to seek the Holy Spirit and let him guide my heart & voice. <3
May we set our eyes on things above. Amen.
What a powerful description of a godly grandma. What struck me is what Scarlet remembers most is the love the grandma gives and the happy attitude. That’s true how other people would perceive us, either our love or our joy. May we keep our hearts, thoughts and focus the heavenly realm, not on the pain/problems down on earth that causes us nothing but frustration, anger and pain. Let not our wrath simmer to give a foothold to the devil who is waiting to steal/kill/destroy. Let us not walk as unbelievers, in the vanity of their mind, with darkened understanding, through ignorance, and the blindness of heart (Ephesians 4:17-18 KJV). This world is a dark and hurtful place, but joy through God is the glimpse of hope even this weary world seeks. May they see it through us, just as they see through Grandma Marlene. Where does that come from? Truly from Heavens above.
@DOROTHY: beautiful quotes, keeping you in prayers, and your nephew Jake and the mental illness.
@RHONDA: I used to experience what you described, and through prayers the Lord removed the tension and unknown trigger that set my husband off. God is a miracle worker, he dealt with deep things, psychological, emotional and physical- all kinds, and it’s peaceful now, praise God for mercy.
@OLIVIA WINTERS: praying for more help to be sent, may you have grace to find rest for the soon baby delivery.
Be blessed dear sisters. Set your mind on heavenly treasures! This life is just for a little while.
♥️
This is such a great reminder! I feel like I have been setting my sights on the things of this earth way too much lately. I have been comparing myself to how other woman look and feeling like I don’t measure up. I pray that I would pursue Jesus, and that he would help me to love myself as I am. I want to be that tree that is planted beside the stream, producing fruit during the right season.