Paving the Way

A kitchen that had dirt coming in at the window.
A potbelly stove that needed wood and ashes emptied.
An extra person living in your house with a bedroom wall that needed care.

Grandma cooked three meals a day with no running water or electricity.
The indoor work was not all, there were calves that wanted milk and
chickens that wanted fed.

No e-mail, cell phone, television, or web to relax and be entertained by.

This was her way of life.

As my life became hard in different ways I drew strength from her example of
perseverance.  I would think of how she lived with little material wealth or comfort.
And I thought, so can I.

She paved the way to a simple life.

She supported her husband as shown in God's word to be the helpmate that she should.
She could wait to have things done or fixed.  Her marriage meant more than screen doors.
Family was priority, making meals and giving care.  People were important.
To show a smile and listen to their cares.

An unselfish and joyful attitude was how she chose to go about her day.
Visiting at her house was so nice.  She served you food and rubbed your toes.

She paved the way to see, to know and to live out the value of family.

She paved the way by living with few material needs but still having a heart full of joy.

She paved the way by building up those she spoke to and making each one know their importance.

How she lived her life paved the way for me...
                                                                             to know it can be done.
                                                                             to know that it is a valuable life to live.
                                                                             to know how important laughing can be.
AND
                  to know that worth, acceptance and security can all be rolled up in one
                  approving, smiling face of love.