Grandma, Tell Me Your Story. That is the name of a book my two youngest granddaughters gave me for Christmas (thanks to their mom since they are 4 ½ and 2 ½ years old). This won’t be done quickly since there are over 100 pages to fill out and some will take some thought. I remember times when I was able to spend time in town with my Grandmother and we would be working in the kitchen. I would ask her to tell me stories of her life. Now it is my turn and I don’t take that lightly.

One of the pages asks about characteristics and features they have that are like our side of the family. They are young, so it is hard to know for sure right now what all those are, but they do have some, as they have of their mom’s side. That is generally the case with children. As they grow, some of those will be more apparent.

As I think about “Grandma, tell me your Story”, I realize the impact is a whole lot deeper. For a lot has happened both good and bad, there are wonderful memories and ones that are difficult. There are also a lot of mediocre stories. Some of the stories will be difficult to relate, if they are related at all. One of those is dealing about our incarceration experiences and others stories that are not ones I want to dwell on. All of those stories have a common thread of what got me through. The answer to that is Jesus. He is the constant in every part of my life. Being able to take all my desires, fears, needs, etc to Him in prayer is a blessing and privilege I don’t take lightly.

Our grandchildren have a heritage I hope to communicate as I “tell them my story”. That is how they have at least four generations (the ones I know) on both sides of our family (my husbands and mine) that have loved and served Jesus. Four generations before them have proven how no matter if it is rain or shine, plenty or scarce, health or sickness, as long as they trust in the One who loves them most, they will be ok. He will seem them through. My story is part of what one day will be their story, and the most important part of that story is knowing Jesus.
We all have a story. Our children will either follow in the footsteps we lay before them or take a different path. It is up to us to show them a path that is worth their walking on. That isn’t always easy, but we don’t have to do it alone. I find my relationship with the Lord helps me, it can help you too.

Grandma, tell me your story…. I would be glad to, thank you for asking.