A heart overflowing with gratitude

     I am glad grandparent’s were a part of God’s plan for His children, even though I was not fortunate to have had such a relationship. 

     I vaguely remember my paternal grandparents Council and Mary Estabrooks occasionally visiting our family when I was very young. I have no memory of ever seeing my mother’s parents. 

     This past week I had the privilege of being part of Grandparent’s Day at our Kelowna Christian School, where daughter Karen, is presently teaching a Kindergarten class. 

     Bringing along the requested Rice Krispie squares, I soon found myself filling the empty chair of a boy Mark’s grandma, who lives in a country too far away. 

     What a joy to make conversation with him. I was amazed as I watched him carefully print on his sheet, answers to questions of what he liked about his grandma. 

     A full day of attendance at school for kindergarteners is now obviously producing some smart and capable kids. 

     Grandparents and children soon began making their way to the auditorium which, quickly filled to overflowing. 

     Classes from Kindergarten to Grade 5 each proudly gave a musical presentation to their doting grandparents. The welcoming words from the principal praised those who had come from a far distance and those who had even postponed travel plans just to attend their grandchild’s special, yearly school event. 

     He said, grandparents are true heroes of the faith — quoting Psalm 78: 4-7, “. . . We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done . . .so the next generation would know them . . .then they would put their trust in God.”  

     My buddy Mark Joseph, told me their school’s motto is “God First, Others Second, Me Third.” 

     What a great message to instil in children early in life. 

     St. Irenaeus — about whom it was said was an eye-witness to Apostle John — stated, “Faith is caught rather than taught.” 

     What a privilege grandparents have to show that faith through their love, prayers and living a godly example. 

          Next week, I will have the joy of seeing my youngest grandchild Ashton Brooke, walk across the stage to receive her hard-earned degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. 

     No doubt more about that in my next blog. 

     How often have we thought, “the world is sending our kids the wrong message!” 

     I was recently quite aghast to hear on the news of a little toddler, a three-year-old, being told by her nursery school provider that the cute sundress she was wearing was not acceptable. Too much bare shoulder showing, thus two inch straps or wearing a shirt underneath was required. What malarky!!!!!!!  

     Let’s let our sweet, little children enjoy their innocence and just be children for as long as they can. 

     I’m concerned, meanwhile, about the obvious lack of brains and warped thinking of those who are teaching and caring for our little ones, tomorrow’s future. 

     Someone by the name of John Gunther (couldn’t find much info on him), late in his life, offered this thought: “All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” 

     Quite a statement, with a small bit of truth in it!

     

     Breakfast, being my favourite meal of the day — and I believe in a healthy one — I’ve been leisurely enjoying it on my patio, of late.

     Basking in the early morning sunshine — feasting on the natural beauty surrounding me and with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I find it natural and easy to connect with the Creator, who just happens to be my Heavenly Father.   

     A question worth asking is, “If everyone behaved and believed like me, would I like the world that came to be, because of it?"

— beulah

Celebrating with friends and family

     

     Another Mother’s Day has come and gone, reminding me of that wonderful adventure of becoming a mother. I still recall the awesome feeling as I tried to grasp the reality of what it all meant. 

     In that era of the '50s our hospital stay lasted a whole week. It meant bringing Karen Joy to our home on Mother’s Day. What a precious Mother’s Day gift it was! 

     Assuming the role of motherhood early in our marriage was not exactly easy, along with learning to become a good pastor’s wife. But as I have looked back many times since then, I now believe God sent us Karen Joy at just the right time. She helped fill the void I was feeling, missing my family and friends I had left behind in New Brunswick. I needed her to help me cope with the severe loneliness. 

     God’s gifts and provisions always arrive at just the right time! 

     Recently, Karen’s siblings, her Auntie Merle and I, all met in Merritt to celebrate one of her special birthday milestones — different ones, arriving from Kamloops, Abbotsford and Kelowna. There was much sharing of love, conversation and good food at the trusty Boston Pizza. 

     

James and Karen at Boston Pizza in Merritt with family on her birthday.

     

     

     She and I occasionally meet at our favourite restaurant for breakfast, my favourite meal of the day. 

     Then, it's the usual shopping, doing necessary errands together. I find I “still” need that Karen Joy in my life, and am so blessed to be living in the same city, and still the recipient of her love and watch-care, as I age. 

     Actually, I am doubly blessed, with daughter number two, Deborah Lynne, who lives nearby also. 

     She, too, is always ready and willing to meet any of my desires and needs. It's the first time she was not around for Mother’s Day, and so a loving text arrived on my phone all the way from Mexico. 

     A mother’s heart is one of care and compassion, as she often places the needs of her children before herself. 

     I like what Isaiah 49:15-16 says, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” 

     I think He is saying, “I love you more than your own mother.” 

     As we so often relate to God as our Father, perhaps we forget that within His heart is also the heart of a mother. 

     Jesus, at one time, looked over Jerusalem and lamented deeply,  ". . . how oft have I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Luke 13:34). 

     It reminds me of a story about a hen house that had been ravaged by fire. Later, workers found through the cinders and rubble, a mother hen crouching protectively over her little chicks. She had simply wrapped her wings around her children. A true picture of the mother’s heart of our God. 

     Recently, I was given the privilege of assisting Karen with a Mother’s Day Tea for her kindergarten class which, she is presently teaching. I willingly filled a tall order, baking four dozen muffins, orange-cranberry and oatmeal date. 

     What a joy to be a part of the activity as the children welcomed and served their mothers — later giving a delightful drama presentation. It's so reminiscent of my earlier years in a similar teaching situation. 

     I’m told, historian Thomas Andrew Bailey once strayed a little from his main subject and wrote, “There must surely be such a thing as a child of average abilities, but you can’t find a parent who will admit it’s their child. Every parent thinks their child is special and I’m sure God thinks the same about all of us, even the worst of us… only He’s more likely to be right.” 

     But, every child "is" special and a true gift from God. Seeing the pride and love shown by those mothers — did my heart good!  

     My spirit was lifted one day last week, as my sis Merle, and friend Elsie and I, found our way up the long winding road that leads to the Sutherland Hills Care Home. 

     Our friend Marie, has to deal with many health issues on a daily basis. As always, her gracious spirit seems to lift her above her circumstances of the immediate present, with not a hint of complaining. I’m sure it is, that her eternal perspective gives hope during the difficult times. Realizing her ultimate destiny, she, meanwhile, is given the needed grace. 

     Returning down the long, curving road through the hills, I convinced the girls to stop and share lunch with me — tasty left-overs from a family dinner I had made the previous day. 

     

     How does one react, when told by their doctor that the “cancer word” no one wants to hear, has been found in their bone marrow with no viable treatment?

     My friend Pat’s response — “Something has to eventually take us. So this is the way for me. I’ve had a good life. I’m ready to go. It’s all OK."   

     May I be as peaceful and ready when I am called.

— beulah