April 5: We lost Grandma during Lent
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We lost Grandma during Lent this year.
Growing up, staying at Grandma’s house was a treat. We had our routine. Breakfast always included homemade bread and vitamin C. Grandpa always read Scripture; Grandma read the meditation. Grandpa prayed for each child and grandchild before the day began. At the close of each day, Grandma would dole out cran-raspberry juice to each of us, hug us and send us to bed.
These rituals became the markers of good times at Grandma’s house. A lot of activity always occurred between the homemade bread and the cran-raspberry juice during the day. We gathered, we talked, we worked, we played. We knew we were loved, we knew where we belonged.
The week before Grandma died, I had the privilege of visiting with her one last time. We talked about times when she cared for my sisters and me, as well as my cousins. We talked about Goshen College and how she believed in this place. When it was time for me to leave, we shared cran-raspberry juice, she hugged me and told me she loved me.
The night Jesus prepared himself and his disciples before the crucifixion, he offered a ritual of sharing a meal together marking the group who shared in his ministry. Perhaps they did not understand fully, but they believed in something greater than themselves. While accustomed to Jewish Passover rituals, the new order required a new symbol of joining, of signing up.
At 99 years of age, my grandma knew what it meant to sign up. Even when hospice arrived and asked her about her goals, she replied without hesitation, “I want to serve God and join Jesus in heaven forever.”
We remember, we sign up, we are loved, we belong.
Thanks for these words about Grandma. It’s so good to remember! And what a great reminder to all of us…”Serve God and join Jesus.”
I knew your grandma and her sister (Ann’s mom); that’s why I found your devotional exceptionally meaningful. I’m trying to be the same kind of grandma she was. Blessings to you at Goshen College. Thanks for your insights. Ruth H. Yoder
Michelle Horning’s mom
Thanks for your lovely reflection on today’s scripture and your grandmother. She truly was a gift to your family and Goshen College.
What a nice story about your experiences with your grandparents! And 99 years. A real benediction! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for this inspirational reflection. It has inspired my “grandmothering”!! Your grandmother’s life and and the importance of her rituals done in such love help me see the importance of repeated symbols.
In addition, your thoughts regarding the words of Jesus to His disciples as He illustrated to them the way in which they could remember Him, also emphasize the positive meaning of rituals and symbols You have given me much to meditate on today!!
Thanks, Launa. This was a wonderful reflection to start the day.
Launa, this was such a beautiful remembrance and meditation to read this morning. Thank you for such a vivid picture of the richness of ritual with the communion of a glass of cran-raspberry juice, and the embrace of belonging. Thinking of you today.
What a blessing to read this devotion this morning. Shalom to all.
A wonderful devotion.
Thank you for sharing your grandma with us.
Thank you for sharing this, Launa. We lost Tony’s grandmother this spring too. I think we agree that the presence of these strong and loving women in our lives has indeed been a priviledge.
This devotional touched my heart! The grandmother
remembered in this writing was truly a remarkable reflection of God’s grace!
What a touching reflection, Launa; redolent of Jesus’ farewell supper with his loving disciples. You have reminded me to bring or add warmth to all our family gatherings.
Easter Joy.
Mervyn Carapiet
Your Lenten reflection blessed me, Launa. The bread, the prayers of blessing, and the juice shared with your grandmother are sweet symbols for today. Thank you for sharing.
thank you it all made me feel better knowing
of Jesus love for us!!!!!!
Thanks for this meaningful devotional. It spoke to me.
This is such a powerful reflection on your experiences with your grandmother. The connection between your last visit with her and Jesus’s Last Supper with His disciples was not lost on me.
Thank you for the beautiful parallel! And thank you for sharing these important memories of your special Grandma. I became a first time grandma yesterday and you’ve given me much to think about.
Thanksfor sharing the stories. She was an amazing woman and created quite a legacy for you all. Inspiring for all of us.
Thank you for your inspirational words. I am so blessed to have known your wonderful grandma. She touched my life and I will remember her for a long time! I look forward to being with her and Lois again!!