I watched two admirable grandparents clasp hands and bow their heads. Decades earlier, these two modeled faith in everyday life to their young granddaughters who moved in with them.
I witnessed Grandpa making me and my sister hot cocoa early in the morning while Grandma insisted on cooking us a hot breakfast before we made the mad dash for the school bus.
Grandma would take us to church Wednesday afternoons while we attended youth group and she would serve in the church kitchen to make dinner for the entirety of young participants.
Years later, in their nineties, one would lose most of his hearing the other, her vision. But they could still recite the twenty-third Psalm. And they would still live their lives modeling such faith.
They each attended multiple health appointments every month. Neither drove anymore. Grandma was no longer safe in the kitchen to create on her own. Grandpa struggled to do things he used to take great pleasure in.
And yet, they would stand together, clasping hands, reciting the twenty-third Psalm. It was their way of communicating with each other, and praising God together.
And praise they did. I was amazed as they counted their blessings. Grandma appreciated still being able to live in the country so she could hear the birds welcoming each day with a chorus. Grandpa appreciated being able to see the colors of their wings at the feeders and throughout the trees. He knew each breed by name, having built specific feeders for them years ago.
They not only recited, but believed that psalm with all their hearts. They lived that last line every day, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6 (NIV)
They have been gone a few years now. As the spring weather draws me outside and those glorious birds usher in a new season, I can’t help but walk down memory lane, recalling their lives. And what I recall the easiest about each is the quiet, peaceful faith that they lived together.
They each had faced numerous challenges, yet despite the chronic hardships of their last years of life, they knew everlasting joy. Even when their health failed, and this world was more wounding than wonderful, they had hope because they knew Jesus.
I had a quiet moment walking our dog alone recently, with rays of sunshine warming my back as I blinked against their powerful brilliance while listening to the robins and the cardinals proclaiming the arrival of spring. My thoughts flew right back to that last visit with both of them. Seeing them clasp hands in their kitchen, reciting the Lord’s prayer. Their faith and wisdom reminded me that the weights on my heart are temporary.
That surely God’s goodness and love absolutely follow me all the days of my life- I have seen it!- And I do believe that I too, will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Do you, too, sometimes lose sight of that eternal promise in the midst of modern-day challenges? If you are like me, you need some reminding every once and again. God promises to remind us when we ask. Let’s ask him for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for the promise in Psalm 23. Thank You for reminding me that I may always dwell in your house, and that before I land there, you are showering me with love and goodness. Please remind me to look for those today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.