My childhood has many memories with my grandparents. Most Sundays, we spent the afternoon with them. Each summer, I would also spend time with them.
My grandfather was a simple man. He farmed and built his own things around the house. In fact, I still have several boxes and other things he made. They aren’t overly ornate or worth money, but what they mean to me makes them priceless.
I should have learned to listen more. He was a quiet man. Often as conversations flowed back and forth all around him in a room, he simply sat. He would talk when engaged, but he often just was silent.
He saved money and I should have started saving money much sooner than I did. He was not rich, but comfortable because he didn’t spend every dime he made. He paid cash and saved for surprise expenses. Money issues didn’t plague him because he was wise in his spending/saving ratio.
As I thought back on his life and my memories of time spent with him, I began to realize that I did in fact learn a lot from his life.
I learned to love like him. He was faithful and present by my grandmother’s side. They loved each other and us grandkids. They loved doing for others, being present in our lives and just living out Christ. I have learned some of that, but still working on the living out Christ part.
I learned a simple faith I’m God. I learned that listening is better than talking. I learned humility and learned that a husband can love his wife and stay with her throughout their lives. I learned the value of hard work and providing for his family.
I learned after all. I learned from watching, not a performance, but just his every day life.
Journey of Faith 