Treasured Memories

GRANDMA’S ROCKING CHAIR There is a rocking chair that is empty in the home. This chair was probably given to Grandma as her first child was born. She rocked the babies at night through fevers, fears, teething, and colic attacks. It rocked a child with skinned knees and a broken heart. Then, it went on to serve the same purpose for the Grandchildren … each one special to her. The old rockers on the chair are worn and chipped. It has rocked many a mile through this lifetime. The paint is dull and worn, and the finish is scratched and nicked … but it still rocks! Many a song has been sung here … anything from a lullaby to a hymn, and even some that were just made up. Grandma sits there now rocking in silence. There is no one here for her to hold or rock. There’s no one to hold and comfort her. Where are the children? Oh, they are all grown now and have lives of their own. They have forgotten about Grandma, or they just don’t have the time. She now spends most of her time alone, and rocking in that old rocking chair. She rocks in the dusk of the setting sun. The shadows on her white hair seem to glow like a crown of glory. There are wrinkles on her brow and her hands are weathered and worn. Doesn’t anyone care? She sits there and rocks on, her eyes closed in memories, and the family Bible lies open in her lap. Tears fall gently down her cheeks. She sees each of them as a child again, and she rocks them and holds them close to her heart … but only in her memories. She prays for each one of them, one by one. Oh, how she’d love to hold them just once more. Where’s all of the hugs and the laughter or even the tears they shared? Then there is a knock on her heart’s door. Jesus is standing there. He tells her she doesn’t have to be lonely anymore. It just breaks His heart to see her cry and feel her loneliness. Time has come for her to go home. There in Heaven, Jesus Himself, sits in a big old rocking chair and holds her close to His bosom, and He takes His nail scarred hand and wipes the tears away … and the Angels sing …! If you have an aging Mother or Father, or Grandmother or a Grandfather, don’t neglect them! Let them know that the love they gave you was not in vain. If you are the Grandma or Grandpa, then I hope you are blessed in a special way. James 3:17 The wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please.