Do you remember that song? It was one of my pawpaw's favorite. He had a booming bass voice and loved to "slide" from a low note to a lower note. His friends called him "Red", my granny called him "hon", my dad and his brothers and sister called him "daddy" until the day he died, and still refer to him in that way. I can remember how painful the swat was for messing with the television, how he had a way of getting the blackeyed peas picked by telling you it would make you a better person, by hearing him call "Melinda Gayle" - that meant trouble! I also remember his hugs, his voice, his "chicken bone" tatoo (apparently covered up something too risque for grandchildren to see!), his daily bacon and eggs, coffee so strong you didn't want to sneak it and no amount of milk made it better, his overalls, his orange Texas-Pacific truck, his friendship with old Paul Commander, his railroad stories, his illness, how he slipped away from us, and the train that rolled by the cemetery after his funeral to which Bradley said "there goes my pawpaw - right to heaven!" (Of course, he had also walked into the viewing room, at about 3 years old, and said WHO KILLED HIM?!)
I had a memory a few days ago that just startled me. This song came to my mind and I just couldn't quit humming it. I began to think about my pawpaw and his booming bass voice with a smile, and then tried to remember all the words. It suddenly became important that I remembered the words...More about Jesus, let me know, more of His grace to others show...As I thought about it, I began to have a clearer picture of what it was saying. It isn't just about my learning about Jesus - it is about ME being More About Jesus. I teared up, because my thoughts about my pawpaw had brought me straight to Jesus. And then I realized...HE was "about Jesus". His light shone so brightly in the family and in the kingdom. I have often wondered what he would think of the world as we know it now. I think his compassion would be far-reaching and inspiring. I think he would have offered a "cup of cold water" to more people than most. Was he a softie? No way! But I just know that when our Lord spoke the words "well done, good and faithful servant" He must have had my pawpaw in mind.
May all your days be blessed!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I wish I could have known pawpaw longer, and I also wish Granny could have peace with him. I am so thankful I had the chance to know them even if just as a child. I have more fond memories of Granny, VBS in everman, the front yard chickens, the darling hearts, and all the other precious moments with her. I can't wait to share the faithful legacy of this family with Jack and hopefully some day, his cousins. I have learned how to walk in faith, and I have had some giants of faith exemplify what being more like Jesus means. I am blessed that I can find a spiritual family within my earthly family!
Mindy-
I loved reading these memories...So thankful to have been blessed with grandparents who also had an incredible impact on my faith.
It is neat to realize that Baby Jack (who will most likely not enjoy me calling him that at 16, need to break that habit:)) will have these memories of his grandparents as well. He has been born into incredible heritage's of faith!
Thank you so much for the way you continue to bless me and my family, both far and near!
Becky
Post a Comment