“The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” Proverbs 20:29 (NLT)
If You Could
Have you ever answered one of those fun survey questions like: “What one thing would you change about yourself?” or “Which superpower would you want to have and why?” Recently, I came across a post that asked, “If you could sit down and have a talk with someone who’s no longer living, who would it be?” As usual, I began pondering.
Many interesting people came to mind: authors, world-changers, musicians, and the like, however, those choices were fleeting. Very quickly, I knew exactly who I’d love to have one more conversation with, my grandparents!
I’m very blessed that when I was young, we moved to be closer to my grandpa and grandmas. Many weekend visits, holiday dinners, and special occasions were spent with them. Family stories and moments in their histories were often shared, unfortunately, back then I didn’t appreciate the privilege and importance of hearing them as much as I should have. (I’m pretty sure eye-rolling was involved.)
Once I was grown and moved away, our time together became limited, but bringing my own children “home” to my grandparents was always a precious time! The funny thing was, as my little ones listened to those same old stories I’d heard over and over again, they suddenly began to grab my attention, too. Those small glimpses into their lives are such gifts to me now!
“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”
Job 12:12 (NIV)
Time passes quickly and my grandparents have been in their Heavenly home for many years. I’m so thankful for the time I had with them, but oh, how I wish I’d soaked up every word they had to offer when I had the chance! Now that I’m a “MiMi” myself, I’m finally beginning to fully understand the value of the shared experiences of those who’ve gone before us.
So, that’s my answer. If I could, I’d sit at the table for as long as possible with my Grandma P. and my Grandpa and Grandma Stevens, and I would listen, really listen, as they offered their insight, advice, and wisdom about life. I most certainly would gain much!
“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.”
Proverbs 3:13 (NLT)
Tomorrow is Grandparents Day. If you are blessed to have yours still here with you, let them know how important they are to you and take every opportunity to learn from them now while you can, and not only “If you could…..”
“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”
Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)
I’m joining with the other writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com . The prompt this week is “Could”. I’m looking forward to reading all the different perspectives on one word. You can read them too. Just click on the link above. I am always so very grateful for your presence here. I’d love for you to share some of your favorite grandparent memories in the comments. I’ll leave a couple of mine there as well. Be Well and God Bless You!
I am so glad that my boy loves his gramma dearly and has an ear to listen to her stories. It’s a good thing that!
I’m glad too Annette! I cherish my memories of time with my grandparents! Thank you for taking your time to stop in! I appreciate it!
Oh! Grandma P! 💗 I am very often reminded of her when I hear old hymns. Especially Holy Holy Holy. She sang it while she worked and cooked. We sang it at her funeral and I cried like a baby. I still choke back tears when I hear it. She gave such great advice, like buy the purse, shoes and jewelry when you buy a new outfit, then you’ll have everything you need to go with it when you wear it :). One day after being frustrated trying to get my kids to pick up their toys she said, “when your dad and Aunt Suzy were little, we had a wagon and we’d sing a marching song and have a parade. They’d march around pulling the wagon and putting toys into it” It worked like a charm Gram! She was an awesome role-model. I pray I’ll be able to live up to her example.
Oh I want to follow in her footsteps too! I think about her so often! I love these memories! I’m going to have to try the wagon one on the boys!😉 Thank you for sharing with me! It means so much!
One of my favorite memories of my Grandpa and Grandma Stevens is of walking in their back door, giving hugs, and going straight to “our” kitchen drawer where there was ALWAYS Bazooka bubble gum waiting for us.
Some of my fondest memories with my Grandma P. are from times spent at her lake cottage. Making homemade ice cream, picking Queen Anne’s Lace and putting it in colored water to dye it, and the sound of the car horn signaling us that it was time to leave the swimming hole and come home for supper are all things that still make me smile when I think about them!