During my second week in Romania I had the privilege to visit my paternal grandmother. It so happened that it was her 82nd anniversary of her birthday. She is the only living grandparent on my father’s side. My grandfather died in 1988. For over twenty years my grandmother has been a widow living with one of her sons. Throughout this period or for as long as I remember her she has been ill and constantly awaiting her departure home. Despite all the health problems and desires to go be with Jesus, every time we visit her I am impressed and encouraged by her.
Usually on my visits I go with other members of the family. This time I was by myself. I brought some flowers with me and drove over there to spend some time with her. I found her laying in bed. My last visit there was two years ago. Having a lot of ground to cover I gave her the flowers and we started talking. As a family we are close, but I have not spent all that much time with her, not nearly as much time I spent with my maternal grandparents. Because of this I don’t really know much about my grandmother. So every opportunity I get to visit now I try to learn as much as possible. One thing that really got my attention was a conversation I had with her later that afternoon sitting on a bench outside the house. My grandmother has 7 children, 22 grandchildren and lots of great-grandchildren. As we sat outside enjoying the warm weather she told me what she does most days. She doesn’t go places too much or too often. Instead she sits on the bench or in her bed and one by one she prays for her children and her grandchildren. She starts with those closest to her (geographically) and ends with those who are across the Ocean. She then proceeded to give me details about each and every one of them. She even knew things about my sister’s in-laws (those residing in America whom she’s never met). Keep in mind that she is 82 years old. I was amazed and encouraged by two things: 1) I was stunned to see how sharp her mind still is, despite a worsening physical condition and 2) I was greatly encouraged to hear that she spends a significant time praying for her grandchildren, myself included.
I left her house encouraged that she is praying for me. She has been throughout the years. And believe me, her prayers are effective. She prayed earnestly that her granddaughters would be married and this past Sunday they celebrated the engagement of the last one. So it’s good to know that I am in good hands.
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