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The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies
It was a timeless classic look that I have come to adore. However, that is not why I wanted a ring like hers. It was because she and my Grandpa Jimmy had that kind of love, that I couldn't help but admire as a young girl growing up. Before the sickness stole them away from each other, I never knew a couple who loved each other more. They were one of the reasons my heart always waited for someone who loved me like that. Someone who knew I wasn’t perfect, yet still chose me every single day. That simple ring was the best my Grandpa could buy for her, and it always reminded me of that.
I looked down and smiled, because now I have one of my own! Not just a ring, but rather a man who loves me for me.
Still smiling, I reached into my drawer where I kept the picture of my Grandparents as wide-eyed high schoolers, so madly in love. I studied the photograph as the Carrie Underwood song sang on. Without warning, the tears started pouring down my cheeks. Slowly at first and then faster and faster, as I realized for a moment of thrilling hope that maybe, just maybe, God could let her know how happy I was in that moment. I wished she was here to see this. She would have loved Sean, and I know he would have liked her. She would have been one of the first people I called to tell the news, to show her my ring, to ask how I was going to do all of this! I would have asked her to tell me again how she and Grandpa fell in love. I laugh at the thought of it - a crazy couple who just decided to go elope that 27th. of December. I would ask her to tell me again, even though I know the story by heart. I would tell her my doubts and my fears, and she would reassure me that it was all going to be okay. Even though I know she's in Heaven, and I would never wish her or Grandpa back to this earth in the sickness they left in, I still miss her.
So, for several moments I just sat there and let myself cry. Then, the words of the song truly hit me… “Nothing ever stays the same. Forever named, forever child, forever loved, forever changed.”
It was so true. Nothing ever does stay the same. As much as it hurts to lose loved ones, I’m glad time doesn’t stand still. Because if it did, I would never have gotten to grow up and have the chance to become the young woman that Jesus Christ is making me into. Time comes and goes for everyone, and we have to learn to make the most of it. Just like the song, I realized, I am forever named as a Child of the King of Kings. He made me for a purpose, and He has purposed His plans for me. No matter what comes, no matter what loss we face, no matter what happens, nothing and no one can change that. Wow. What a thought. I am forever loved not only by my Savior, but by so many people in my life. I have the most amazing fiancé, parents, siblings, family, and friends. I am so blessed, I truly am. Even though Grandma isn’t still here with us, she left me forever changed by being an example of a Godly woman in my life. Whether she knew it or not, she so powerfully molded my thoughts on what a wife, mom, and grandma should look like, should act like, etc.
She was faithful to the Lord up until the very end. Sure, sometimes the sickness made her act like someone who wasn’t the Grandma I remembered, but up until the very moment she completely lost her memory, she would still pray for anyone at a moment’s notice. She knew the word of God by heart, and she loved her family so much. It makes me happy when someone tells me that something about me reminds them of her, because if I can be even a small part of the Godly woman she was, I pray I will have done her proud. I will have done my part to live up to the legacy that she left for all of her children and for us, her grandchildren.
Nothing and no one can change that. Wow. What a thought. I am forever loved not only by my Savior, but by so many people in my life. I have the most amazing fiancé, parents, siblings, family, and friends. I am so blessed, I truly am. Even though Grandma isn’t still here with us, she left me forever changed by being an example of a Godly woman in my life. Whether she knew it or not, she so powerfully molded my thoughts on what a wife, mom, and grandma should look like, should act like, etc.
She was faithful to the Lord up until the very end. Sure, sometimes the sickness made her act like someone who wasn’t the Grandma I remembered, but up until the very moment she completely lost her memory, she would still pray for anyone at a moment’s notice. She knew the word of God by heart, and she loved her family so much. It makes me happy when someone tells me that something about me reminds them of her, because if I can be even a small part of the Godly woman she was, I pray I will have done her proud. I will have done my part to live up to the legacy that she left for all of her children and for us, her grandchildren.
I dried my tears and pulled out another picture from the folder in my drawer. It was from October 18th, 2012. There was a young man in this picture and a young woman, that reminded me a lot of that same look that was in my Grandparents' eyes.
But in this picture they had just met each other, and it was the first time they had officially hung out. Neither one of them knew it for sure, but they both felt something special in the air.
She had no clue of all the hardships and heartbreaks, all the good times, all the mountain tops they’d enjoy, and all the valleys they’d endure together. All she knew that day was that she wanted to spend more time with him. She could never have predicted how this young man would love her back, even when at times she was really not that loveable. She was blind to the days ahead, all the times she would feel like giving up, but would push through instead, to discover that love was worth it.
hung out after his fundraiser at a volleyball game. Neither of us had a clue what would transpire after that night. I never could have my planned my life out this way, but my Savior did, and I am forever grateful.