One Saturday morning, several years ago, I headed to my hometown of Spartanburg to visit family, as well as Jayne, a woman who had advertised free liriope in Craig’s List.
As we put shovel to dirt, I learned that Jayne had attended the same church as my paternal grandparents for many years. She was also the church secretary for ten of those years. Her face lit up when I mentioned my grandmother’s name. That happened a lot.
While taking a break on Jayne’s front porch she excused herself and returned a few minutes later with a wide grin. In her hands were some things kept from her time at Fairforest Baptist Church. At one point, she carefully pulled out a manilla folder. She told me the folder held one of her greatest treasures. When the folder opened, I immediately recognized the handwriting. It was Ma-Ma’s.
Ma-Ma had written Jayne a small note, encouraging her teaching efforts when Jayne taught her class for several months. Attached to Ma-Ma’s note was a piece of notebook paper filled with handwritten names and phone numbers.
Shuping and Alberta Scott
With tears welling up in her eyes, Jayne shared how she
had mentioned in class one Sunday that the ladies needed to pray for one
another on a regular basis. On the following Sunday, Ma-Ma handed her
what is now tucked away in Jayne’s treasured file.
Ma-Ma was a prayer warrior up until she drew her last breath.
Jayne also shared how my grandfather, Pa-Pa,
would come to the church office and
give anonymously to different missions and needs. He never wanted to be
recognized or applauded for his giving.
It is a priceless gift to inherit such a spiritual heritage. May our grandchildren and great-grandchildren be able to say the same in the years to come.
I hope you enjoyed the above post, originally shared in 2009. Since then, Ma-Ma went home to be with the Lord. Thankfully, my spiritual heritage stemmed from both sides of my family. All four grandparents were godly, beautiful examples of Christ.
“Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your
friends.
It’s the longest-lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs.”
During the frenzied search for my diamond a couple weeks ago, Piper spotted a stack of blue and white china tea cups set aside for posting on Craig’s List. Picking up a tea cup ever so carefully, Piper let out a giggle and asked if we could have a tea party.
Now, I’ve dreamed of tea parties with granddaughters for years but I didn’t
expect my first opportunity to occur while frantically searching for
such a sentimental stone. It was, however, impossible to turn down such a delightful invitation so I set aside the search and began washing tea cups.
We put the kettle on, listened for the perky whistle, and buttered a little bread, excited about our impromptu tea party.
Notice whose cup is empty first!
I stood in the kitchen waiting for the perfect shade of English to appear in our cups while Piper set the tea tray. Within moments, I caught sight of the diamond lying upside down on the kitchen counter, only inches away from our cups.
This happens so often in life, doesn’t it?
What we need—what we really need—often emerges during a time of waiting.
We wait for test results.
We wait for deep needs to be met and understood by those we love most.
We wait for loneliness to subside.
We wait for answers to questions that may never be resolved this side of heaven.
We wait for the tea to brew.
I’m not a fan of waiting. Divine works, however, seem to thrive where a willingness to wait exists. Not the twiddling-my-thumbs kind of wait but one that’s willing to trust in God’s strength and sovereignty, regardless of the outcome. His courage is ours for the taking!
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 27:14 ESV
Leave it to a grinning granddaughter with a teacup pinched between her fingers to serve as a reminder that oftentimes our greatest blessings are discovered in the waiting.
What’s one thing you’ve discovered during a time of waiting?
Buttons, a farthing a pair! Come, who will buy them of me? They’re round and sound and pretty, And fit for girls of the city. Come, who will buy them of me? Buttons, a farthing a pair! -Mother Goose’s Nursery Rhymes
This jar, chock full o’ buttons from the 1930’s (including glass and figural ones!), is my latest find on Craig’s List. The bonus? Little did I know they were housed in a blue atlas jar. Life is sweet.
Today’s post is in celebration of baby Piper due in November. Tammy (Sarah’s mom) and I were able to see our granddaughter move for the first time today via an ultrasound. Her tiny hand reached up towards her face at one point while our knees melted in praise.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13, 14
We’re looking forward to sharing many a nursery rhyme with Piper—and when she’s older, we’ll find a nifty craft project for those vintage buttons.
Cathy Baker
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Staying in Step with the Spirit: The choices we make today will impact the steps of future generations to come. 
