Thank God for Grace

As many of you know, my great aunt fell last Sunday night and was taken to the hospital via the ambulance. When she arrived at the hospital they put her on oxygen. Her oxygen was at 9%. The doctors didn't understand how this tough old bird was living. After a week of ups and downs, she passed. This morning at 2:45 AM. I want to thank those of you for your prayers for my family as we go through this time.

As I look back over the past 30 years of my life, I think about the impact my great aunt had on this world. Only because that's how long I've been alive. Grace lived on this earth with us for 89 years. I'm sure anyone who knew her can remember a time that they ate something she cooked. Whether that be fudge, some form of meal, or carob anything. Or that she had the mind as sharp as a tack. The woman never forgot anything. She could tell you exactly how many pies or cakes she made on a particular day. She had that specific way of answering the phone and when you asked her how she was doing, she would always respond, "Well, I'll reckon I'll do." Or how she would always say the same prayer before meals. "Use us in your service and keep us in your care."

And we all have special moments that no one else has. Like her nickname for my son. Or how she swore I loved tomato soup because I always would eat it at her house. I hate tomato soup. But out of respect for her, I would always eat it. She taught me to flat foot and bought me dresses when I was a child. She showered me with love.

For whatever reason, as humans, we focus on the date of birth and date of death. It's like the beginning and end of a book. We celebrate life at birthdays and mourn death. We focus on the fact that they are not here anymore. We often forget that dash in between the dates. For each of us, those dashes hold different things. Milestones, defining moments, aggravations, frustrations, and divine encounters. I think we can all agree that Grace made the most of her dash.

When it became evident that Grace was going to pass, I asked my mom if I could have her bible. I think the best way to know someone is to read their bible. To see the scriptures they highlighted or underlined. To see the notes they made. We've all heard the phrase about a persons life is reflected by the shape of their bible. My mom told me that she would read it daily. In the morning when she woke up and at night before she went to sleep. She said it needed duct tape to stay together. She taught countless lessons in her Sunday School Classes. She was a direct reflection of Christ. I don't think there is a doubt in any of our minds the relationship that she had with God.

Even though she isn't here anymore for us to chat with. I think Grace would want each of us to make more of our dash. To take MORE time for others and spend more time with God. To impact someone the way she impacted us. I have no doubt when she reached heaven there was a HUGE crowd waiting for her. Even though we are broken because she isn't here. We have to remember, this isn't permanent. This is a see you later.

Thank you God for Grace.