Day three... A listener's ear.

While cleaning out the closet, as mentioned in yesterday's blog, I came across a simple note from my dear, sweet Granny, my great-grandmother. The hand-written note one of many that she had sent to me from her home state of Pennsylvania to my home state of Virginia. Before I reopened the envelope, I knew exactly what I would find inside the envelope. Granny used to send me short notes and a five-dollar bill. The note attached always said "Personal.. Use this to buy ... Love, Granny."

The note was simple. She didn't have to write much because I called my "Granny," my childhood best friend, on the phone each week. We had so many wonderful conversations and even though we only saw each other once or twice a year, I always knew that she was there. If times got hectic or I became overwhelmed with whatever I was worried about, Granny was just a phone call away.

Granny was the type of person who made meals for everyone, starting days before you arrived. She planned the shopping trips around your favorite foods and always made certain that the fridge was filled with goodies. Even though Granny's kitchen was smaller than the inside of our current car, we always piled the entire family into the small space for dinner together the first night we arrived. There was always room for everyone... everyone except Granny. She wouldn't sit down to eat. I always remember that she was too busy refilling glasses and making sure that the food stayed warm. She lived her life to serve her family.

Once everyone settled in for the night, Granny and I would sit together on the couch, her listening and me telling story after story about my elementary, middle and high school life. About the only time I remember her taking the time to talk herself was after my great-grandfather's funeral. Grandaddy Charles (Chang, to his family) was a quiet man, a joker and a man with a tremendously large lap.

We travelled the eight hours to get to Curwensville, PA for his funeral and I remember being so glad to finally see my Granny but noticing just how sad everyone was around me. I guess it just hadn't settled in that Chang was gone. Still to this day, I have trouble sitting in the spot where his chair used to be. We arrived late, gathered for dinner and then headed to bed. Granny was so distraught. I know she didn't want to have one of our regular chats. I walked off to my bedroom after a long, sad bedtime hug.

At some point in the night, I awoke from a dream. One so vivid that I remember it now more than 25 years later. I remember a scene with music and dancing. Slow, peaceful dancing. Right in the middle of the dance floor, I saw Jesus and my grandfather dancing together. I know that must conjure up many a thought for the reader and I wish I could describe it better. I guess I will just move on to say that I woke up crying and ran into Granny's room to wake her up and tell her about that dream. It must have been SO difficult for her to listen to this story, but she sat there for what seemed like hours taking the time to tell me so many wonderful stories that I had never heard about my great-grandfather.

It was during that evening that I feel that I had my first true encounter with God. Granny led me through the emotions I was feeling, sharing bible verses with me and providing comfort... to me. I saw Christ in her that night and she led me to an understanding of faith and comfort found within a relationship with God. All of this when she should have been left alone, when she certainly deserved the right to mourn in peace.

The next day, we said our goodbyes to Chang at the funeral and I cried like I had never cried before. Remembering throughout the funeral service, our conversations from the night before. Another first happened during this visit. I remember seeing the world through another person's eyes for the first time. Youth is confident. Youth is strong. But also youth is conceited. It took this tear in our family for me to stop and truly consider others, the way Granny had done for her family for so many years.

It seemed like Granny was always there. And then one day, she wasn't.

She has been gone for a long time, but finding that note reminded me of her legacy. It reminded me of the tenderness that I felt when she sat and listened. Today, I am going to challenge myself at home with the kids to be available the way Granny was for me. To be a listener more than an instructor. And in that same way, I hope that my children will have the chance to see Christ in me.

Today, I think of two simple gifts... a gentle witness and a listening ear.

Today's link...
Curwensville, PA - my other home town http://www.curwensville.com/town.htm

Today's quote...
"Everywhere, we learn only from those whom we love."
Johan Wolfgang Von Goethe

Today's Bible verse...

"A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel." Proverbs 1:5