I have a friend in blogland, LA, who writes wonderful stories of life. Last year, she began writing stories about Pop-Pop, an elderly family member that was living in a nursing home, but would be moving into the family’s home. Right away, God made a special place in my heart for Pop-Pop. I loved hearing stories about him and felt happiness and heartache as he faced the life and living decisions that had to be made.
In February 2009, Pop-Pop accepted Christ as his Savior, and very shortly after that, he died.
I never met Pop-Pop, but I loved him and learned so much from reading about him.
Through reading short snippets of his life, I was reminded to recognize these fruits:
Love: The love that a family has for an elderly family member is built on love that was shown from the same. I love my children and want to build for them such a firm foundation of love that when I am old, we can all stand on it together.
Joy: Pop-Pop found joy in telling jokes; I guess even the corny ones. I know that I must provide a joyful atmosphere, so that my children seek joy instead of chaos.
Patience: The patience that Pop-Pop’s family showed had the most profound effect. I know that I will need my children to show patience for me as I age and slow down. God has been so patient with me and I try very hard to be patient with my children even when we are going down the same road that we have been down over and over again. It is not only patience that is needed, but a softening of the heart that sees through the eyes of love and grace.
I believe that Pop-Pop must have shown all of these things and more to his family as they have in turn shown such a measurable amount of love, joy and patience to him during what turned out to be the last months of his life.
The evidence of the fruit that you show is the fruit that is shown to you by your children.
So long, Pop-Pop. I can’t wait to meet you.
Peace,
:)De
