Legacy of Encouragement

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement
Legacy of Encouragement

I don’t remember my Grandmother lecturing me about life or what I should do in the face of a problem. What I remember is the absolute certainty of her love for me and the security of her warmth toward me when she saw me or wrote to me. I could depend on the steadfastness of her caring, regardless of what was going on in my life. Before speaking a word of wisdom, a proverb of experience, she’d put a finger bedside her nose, perhaps a custom from her childhood which she observed and copied without thinking. She’d drop a few words of confidence that I would make the right decision, or survive whatever the unfortunate incident, and leave me feeling my problem was only ordinary life after all. I wasn’t being singled out for trouble. I’d survive. A word of approval here, a short saying there, the sum of which was a personal proverb of her wisdom. I’d always leave my grandmother feeling loved and bolstered, strengthened, and able.

I wish I knew the formula to reproduce those wonderful feelings for those who come after me, be it a grandchild, relative, or stranger. But I do know the Author of that ability. God, endow us with the capacity to absorb Your love so thoroughly that we are able to convey the security of family and Your wisdom as well as common sense to those who come after us. Enable us to encourage people to rest in Your love and Your presence.