The crisp air of night blows my dark blue drapes ever so slightly. I hear the faint whistle of a freight train cautioning us of its fast approach. It is 11:00 p.m. and most of the neighboring homes lay slumbering. I love our small country neighborhood. I like the quaint older homes. I have grown fond of our neighbors and welcoming kindness. I love the roomy
[almost] acre that we have. I absolutely adore our 4 large oak trees that stand guard in front and back of our home along with the many many acorns that fall from their branches,
however I am certain that my husbands feelings are the complete opposite when it comes to these tiny oval nuts.
You see the acorn is precious to me. It is a reminder of days long ago. I can remember a gentle hand reaching down to lovingly take hold of mine. I was much much younger then. Three or four maybe but can see it as if it were yesterday. My Grandpas hand, wrinkled and warn placed a small, bumpy object into my cupped palm. I squealed with delight when I saw my prize! An acorn. To this little girl it might as well have been a diamond. We continued on the wooded path to collect more of these gems.
He was like that, my Grandpa. He taught me to find joy in simplicity. He also exemplified what true love was made of. It is made without conditions, mixed with joy, mercy and acceptance. He was known all around town to be a man of exceptional character. One who cared about his fellow man and would do anything to help where need be. My Grandfather was a man that loved me but even more so loved the Lord.
I miss my Grandpa to this very day. He was my world while growing up. He died the winter of my Senior year of High School. Today I am passing down his legacy onto my children. Though, failing often, I hope that they see in me the love and compassion that he exemplified to so many others. I hope that they see Jesus.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us...." Ephesians 5:1-2
