A LEGACY OF LIVING FAITH

I remember one of the most memorable times with my oldest grandson, Ben.  He was seven years old, when we as a family were vacationing together on a lake in New Hampshire.

 This particular morning, Ben was up with the sun, heading down to the wharf with his fishing net in hand. He was looking for minnows as bait to fish with his father later. I saw this little guy and thought “I wonder if his parents know he is up?’  I dressed quickly and headed for the wharf. 

What a sad, dejected little face.  Wanting to appear upbeat, I called out hopefully, “Any luck, Ben?"

“No, Mom-Mom” he moped. I haven’t caught a thing and daddy and I want to go fishing.”

The story of Jesus’s disciples and their trouble fishing quickly came to mind.  This was an opportunity to show Ben that living faith is more than stories from past history—Jesus is alive and relevant to our lives today.

Hoping to encourage him in his own budding faith, I began, “Ben, remember the time when Jesus came upon his disciples trying to fish, just like you?  They had been fishing all night but hadn’t caught a thing.  When Jesus saw them struggling with their empty net, what did he tell the disciples to do?”

Ben perked up.  "Jesus told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat, and they would catch some fish.”

“That’s exactly right, Ben.”

“”Mom-Mom, do you think Jesus will do the same for me?”

“I bet he would Ben, if we ask Him.  He loves to provide for His people, but we are the ones who neglect to ask Him for help when we should.”

Without a word, Ben bowed his head and prayed, “Jesus,  please bring some minnows , like you did for your disciples, so daddy and I can go fishing?’

It was a simple prayer.  I agreed with him, and then we waited.  Ben ran to the other side of the wharf, just like the disciples had done, and dipped his net quickly into the water.

Holding my breath, I cautioned for Ben’s sake, “We must be patient and wait for the Lord.  He doesn’t always answer our prayers in the way that we expect Him to, but He will answer in His time.”

To our utter amazement, the Lord released a whole school of minnows from under the wharf.  Ben’s fishing net was quickly filled—more than enough to fish for the whole day!

“WOW, Mom-Mom!” exclaimed Ben in wonder.  “Did you see that!!” There must be thousands of minnows.  Jesus heard my prayer!” What a joy it was, for this grandmother, to witness the faith of a child. I thought I was planting a seed in him, but the experience  was an encouragement to my faith, too 

GRANDMOTHERS HAVE A WAY

When I was a high school senior,  a certain young man pursued me with intentions of marriage.  I knew my parents disapproved of the early marriage, and in their minds, there was nothing more to discuss.  Looking for an understanding ear, I turned to my grandmother.  I knew she would listen benevolently to me.  She, herself had married my grandfather at the youthful age of eighteen--and for forty years, they had a successful and happy marriage.

As I anticipated, Ginnah, (her affectionate name) did listen patiently while I presented my case, and then she shot one strategically aimed arrow at my logic, "My dear, I thought you wanted to be a teacher.  You are so good with children.  Why don't you go to college?"  Without one discouraging word of disapproval over a premature marriage, my clever grandmother diplomatically pointed me back to one of my heart's desires.  She was a wise woman.

Admittedly, I was not really ready for marriage.  Marriage could wait. The relationship with my young suitor ended, and in the fall I entered college to become a teacher.  My parents were thrilled.  Ginnah had saved me from a monumental mistake.  Little did she know how life-changing her advice would prove to be!

My first year at college I started dating the man I am married to today.  My grandmother, my precious, "Ginnah" is home with her Lord. I have often wondered if she ever knew how much she redirected my life. 

Today Roger and I have been married for sixty years.  "Ginnah",  you did a good work!!!

I Will Go by River w/lyrics

We all need to be encouraged. I pray this song will bless you today as it has me.