I don't like posting two posts in one day, but my
heart is so full tonight that I have to. Most will not understand, I'm sure, but some might.
As
the beautiful full moon was rising high, all bright and shimmery, in
the eastern sky, and the sun was sinking low in the west this evening, I
took a turn around the yard, then settled myself into a chair on the
front porch. One of the kittens jumped into my lap and snuggled
herself into the folds of my sweater...safe, warm, and content.
As I watched the sun continue to sink, lower and lower, in the western sky, I watched as the colors faded from brilliant yellow and fiery red, to bright pink and muted purple, then on to dusky blue, then to ever-deepening shades of charcoal and gray. At some point in there the frogs began to sing and a barred owl called from across the way, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”
Friendly
voices rang out, as did the clang of a hammer, as work continued on
the project being completed across the street. The workers were
trying to get as much work done as possible, before full night closed
in upon them.
In
the midst of it, I couldn't hear what she was saying, but I heard the
mother's voice, as she spoke to her children. In another moment I
heard my Woody Woodpecker-loving granddaughter and her brother, or
perhaps her cousin, belt out in unison a chorus of “Ha
ha ha HA ha, ha ha ha HA ha, ha ha ha ha
HA!” then fall out into a fit of laughter. I couldn't help but
smile myself, but then the tears came.
It
all sounded so familiar. In another era the friendly voices ringing
out against the clang of the hammer would have been my dad and a
couple of my uncles; today it is a couple of my grandsons and their
uncle...my son. The voice of the mother? That would have been my mom
and an aunt; today it is a daughter-in-law. The children belting out
the famous Woody Woodpecker laugh...well...that would have been me,
with possibly a younger cousin or two in tow.
Anyway,
it may sound a bit corny, but all these sights and sounds did more
than just take me back to my childhood. It was a living testimony of
one generation touching another. I knew my grandparents and my
great-grandparents...my children knew my parents...then there was me,
of course...my children and grandchildren. That makes six consecutive
generations that the Lord has blessed me with the gift of knowing and
it gives me new-found hope for the future.
I am overwhelmed with the Lord's goodness and I thank Him for allowing me to be a part of this life...right here...right now. It makes me want to do better...to BE better. It makes me want to be here for them as long as I can, to share in the passing down of the skills and traditions of the previous generations in a way that carries with it eternal value.
I can't really put into words all that I'm trying to say, but I am so very thankful to be a part of this circle of life...in this day and time...and I know that I am truly blessed beyond measure. Thank You, Lord!
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)
“For the LORD is good; his
mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
(Psalm 100:5)
Until next time...
~Rebecca
~Rebecca
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This is so beautiful Rebecca. And I feel all that you're sharing here. Sometimes it overwhelms me when I think when my parents leave this life for the next...that I will be the oldest generation. When I think my oldest is an actual adult now (21 yrs) - I feel such gratitude for the gifts of them all. But also sweet nostalgia for once was. With all of my grandparents still here to talk to, share with, learn from their wisdom. My daughter is named for a Grandmother I was very close too and still miss so much. And I think of my sweet MIL that passed from Alzheimers several years ago. I miss her friendship - but I see so much of her in my daughter and it makes me smile. The beautiful circle of it all in all it's bittersweet awesomeness. 🙏 💕
ReplyDeleteYes. Thank you, Carrie. From everything that you said here, I can tell that you truly do understand, and feel, what is in my heart. Cherish the moments with those that are still with you. Time is so short, but oh! What beautiful memories the Lord gifts us with and what amazing gifts and talents He instills within those that follow behind us! It's absolutely amazing when you are blessed enough to witness it and are able to recognize it for what it is! Thank you for taking the time to read this and comment. I value your friendship and open-heartedness. Blessings, Sweet Lady! <3
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