Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a blessing
and a gift from the Lord.
Having a lot of children
to take care of you
in your old age
is like a warrior
with a lot of arrows.
The more you have,
the better off you will be,
because they will protect you
when your enemies attack
with arguments.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the day that we gathered as a family to say a formal “Good-bye” to Grandma E…my 95-year-old mother-in-law who passed away three days ago following surgery to repair a broken hip. For many years now, my husband has been his mother’s primary caregiver – and by default, I was often along for the ride. This was not our first “rodeo”…I helped my own mother care for her aging parents. And when my dad passed and my mother remarried, I became my paternal grandmother Polly’s “guardian” and caregiver. And Greg was often right there with me in the thick of things.
It seems like there have been quite a few instances in our lives where God has cleared a path for Greg and me to serve as caregivers and guardians. Sometimes, we wondered why on earth this was our “lot.” But after my mother’s funeral, Greg told my niece that he knew why God gave us Timmy, Zola and Nathan. They were great comforts – and diversions – for us when we needed both. In case you don’t know firsthand, caregiving is rewarding – but it can also be quite taxing and tiring.
And yet, we would not trade one minute. In this last nearly 2 years especially, Greg and I served as a “lifeline” for his mother…basically her only connection to the outside world at times, except for daily FaceTime visits with his older brother and sister-in-law, which Grandma treasured. She enjoyed an occasional phone call from her grandson, John. And a rare handful of times, we felt “safe” enough to gather in person for a visit…Greg, me, Greg’s brother and sister-in-law Elaine, and Greg’s sister-in-law Helen. Grandma loved having her children around!
Today, we held a private family memorial service for Grandma at the cemetery. Afterward, many who had attended went to Grandma’s house…Greg’s brother and his wife, our sister-in-law and her two daughters, and Greg’s nephew and his wife and three young children, Kelsey, Ellie and Zachary. Grandma kept a little plastic tub of random toys and “what-nots” that she called “treasures.” Whenever children visited, she got out her “treasure box” and said, “Play with whatever you like.” Our kids have enjoyed this box on many occasions. I told the little ones at the cemetery that I knew where Grandma kept a treasure box of toys at the house – just for children – and I would show it to them.
Immediately upon entering the house, the children wanted to know, “Where is the hidden treasure box?” I found it for them. Four-year-old Zachary said, “Can we play with it?” I answered, “Oh, yes, it’s meant for kids.” He instantly replied, “Well, I’m a kid!” The children busied themselves in the floor for nearly an hour as the adults visited. I looked at Greg, and we both smiled. Grandma would have been beyond thrilled that her great-grandchildren were in her living room floor, playing with the “trinkets and treasures.”
At first glance, I wondered why God put THIS passage in my devotional outline for today. But on second thought, I realized that once again, children made everything better – and a difficult day bearable. In the rearing of children – and the caring for parents and grandparents, God is with us. He provides us with strength, wisdom, and a hefty dose of courage. Some days are harder than others, but God is always by our side. He planned for this…He designed us for these missions and ministries. Whatever He calls us to do, He will strengthen us to accomplish. We are blessed by this great privilege, and we give Him thanks for all of it. Alleluia!
©2021 Debbie Robus
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