This week I made a trip up to Trout Lake, WA (one of the most gorgeous places) to visit my dear grandma. This woman has made an astounding impact on my life. She raised 5 kids, and from those kids has 24 grandkids, and from those grandkids now has 80+ (and counting) great grandkids. Growing up, we had “Cousin Camp” at my grandparents’ house in the woods. Cousins were grouped in age categories and spent a week learning about Jesus, fishing, camping, painting rocks, hiking and bike riding. Now that we are grown and all spread around the world, she KNOWS what is important in life, and she knows that one of the most valuable and impactful things she can do for each of her kids, grandkids and great grandkids is to PRAY FOR THEM! Each morning she makes her way down to her prayer stump, and as she watches the sun rise and looks at the gorgeous Mt. Adams in the morning light, she prays for her kids, grandkids and “greats” (as she calls them) by name. Incredible, right?
While visiting her this week, she walked us (a couple of my sisters and me) down to her prayer stump. As we slowly made our way to this special spot, stopping numerous times as she told a story about our childhood, my grandpa (and his Navy days), or just something she had been learning, I was reminded of how valuable life is when we take it at a slow pace. As I looked around at the gorgeous view, taking time to recognize the earthy smell that reminded me of our “cousin camp” days, and as I appreciated the slow walk and conversation I was more refreshed than I have been in a long while. So often I can just get through my days in a hurry. I’m often in a hurry to get breakfast eaten and cleaned, to finish the schoolwork with my preschooler, or (I hate to admit it) to get through with the bedtime story I am reading my kids. Why? These are the tiny moments that I will remember when I look back at my life, yet I am always trying to just get through them.
I am thankful for the reminded this week of life lived in the small moments. Not just hurrying out to that prayer stump, seeing where my grandma prays, and rushing back. It is because of those slow steps, pauses and conversation that I will remember that day as one of the more special moments I have had with my grandma and sisters.
I know we cannot slow time. Time will stop for no one, BUT I can live my moments in such a way that I soak up everything possible in that time. Even as I write this I am forcing myself to stop typing, look up at my kids playing legos, and tell them I love them or affirm my oldest as he shows off his airplane model. My personality wants to sit down, type out an entire blog post, edit and post it all in one sitting. That isn’t what it’s about.
Today I will thank Jesus for the legacy my grandma is leaving in my own life and my kids’ life. I will read one more bedtime story, stare at my kids a little longer when they fall asleep, and most importantly I will PRAY for them faithfully. I will put my full weight into these moments so I can try to slow time enough to be fully present. Today is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice in each moment and be glad in it. Not wishing it to move faster but making sweet memories in taking it at a slow pace.
Thanks for the sweet lessons I learn from you, continuously, Grandma Duke!