The Devil's in My Pocketbook - Part 3: The GPS

The Devil's In My Pocketbook...and Other Things I learned from Grandma (Part 3)

The GPS

It's been awhile since I posted one of the stories/life lessons from my life with my Grandma James.  She has been on my mind frequently the last few days and this particular story has come to mind many many times over the years.

About ten years ago, my dear friend, Erica and her family were living in a small town in Ohio and I was planning a trip to go see them.  Because it was going to simply be a day trip (it was only about two hours from my Grandma's house) and because my Grandma was also very fond of this friend, she came with me to see Erica.  However, I had never been to Erica's home before as they had moved since my last visit with her, so when we got in the car, I plugged in the GPS and put in Erica's address.  The GPS started giving out directions and we started our road trip.  Almost immediately after the GPS started giving out directions, Grandma because very concerned.  Our conversation went something like this:

Grandma: How does it know where we are going?
Me: I put in Erica's address.
Grandma: (eyes wide...concern showing) But how does it know how to get there? (She clearly thought something nefarious was going on)
Me: It's computerized Grandma.  There are maps in it and it follows the maps. 
Grandma: But how does it know where we are going?  Is it watching us?
Me:  No, it's simply following the map from where we are.  

This type of conversation went on for several minutes.  I finally seemed to convince Grandma that the GPS was not some scary device someone was using to track us all down and she became rather quiet.  

After we had continued on our journey for a while with the GPS consistently giving out the directions I needed to follow, Grandma spoke up again saying quite matter of factly, "I bet that's a lot of company for you as you drive." 

I tried to hold it in.  I really did, but I couldn't help it.  I laughed and said, "Well, you know, I never thought about it that way before, but I suppose it could be."  

Grandma didn't quite grasp the concept of the GPS.  However, she was always concerned about any of us traveling alone.  And for some reason, she felt that the GPS might make us feel a little less alone and that seemed to give her comfort.  To this day, I can't turn on my GPS with out thinking of my Grandma's comment with a smile.  

She was like that.  She was smart, but simple in her way of looking at the world.  She didn't really understand a lot of technical things, but she was content seeing them as useful items for life...even if her use for them might be slightly different than what we might think of.  

I think God looks at us like that sometimes.  He sees us and knows exactly what our purpose is and He will lead us toward the plan He has for us.  He even gives us a "GPS" through His Word, but we sometimes don't see it as the way to get where we are going and view it as simply our "companion" who talks to us from time to time.  But when we use it that way, we are missing out on all that the Word has for us.  It's meant to give directions to help us get where we need to go, but it can only do that if we fully allow it to teach us...If we step away from it we are sure to get lost before very long.  But thankfully, the God's Word is faithful to help us back onto the right path if we are faithful to listen to it's directions.  

I will never again hear a GPS without thinking of my Grandma, and I'm not sure I'll ever view my Bible the same way either.  

Until next time...   

Saying Goodbye...

Grandma and her faithful companion, Bear.

In December of 2013, I moved in with my Grandma James.  I had taken a position at Anderson Parkview and because it was part-time, would not be able to afford my own place.  On the other hand, Grandma had reached the stage in life where she really needed someone around to help her.  So it was a perfect match.  And, though no one said so, I knew when I agreed to move in that I would be with her until she passed away.  And sadly, that time is drawing very near.

Family Vacation 1998

On Sunday, July 3rd, she went into the hospital and on Tuesday, July 5th, it was found that she was having a massive heart attack.  Because she was also dealing with a bleeding issue, there was nothing they could do for the heart attack and because of the heart attack there was nothing they could do to find the bleed.  So, the family was called in and everyone arrived hoping that they wouldn't be too late to say goodbye.  But we were given an unexpected blessing.  For the last few days, though her body is continually failing, her mind has been sharp and we have been able to have some wonderful times together.  Reminiscing, singing, praying, laughing, and even taking Communion together.  Our time with her is now quite short, but the past few days has reminded us of a few things that she had taught us over the years.  Important lessons that we will never forget.

Kindness Counts

Family Game Night

If you ever met my Grandma Claudia, you know the kind of person she is.  Her sweetness just pours out of her.  In fact, every nurse who took care of her in the hospital commented on how sweet she is. She treats every person she meets like a friend and friends are treated like family.  Every nurse that has cared for her has commented on her sweetness.  Last night, when one of them realized that she would be passing away soon, she cried...and these folks only met her a few days ago.  She literally leaves an impact on every person she meets...no matter the length of time she is with them.  And her impact is made through her kind, gentle spirit, and her compassion for all those around her.

We love when Grandma gets tickled.

Family is her life
There is never any doubt how Grandma feels about her family.  We all know that her dog, Bear, is her favorite in the family, however her love for the rest of us just pours out of every part of her.  Her words tell us she loves us, her actions show that she loves us, and her prayers surround us.  She brightens our good times and brings comfort and support during our trials.  When she is gone, there will be a hole bigger than Texas in all of our lives.  

Circumstances do NOT define who we are.
Though, there was a lot of joy in Grandma's life, there was a lot of pain as well.  But no matter how bad the situations in her life would get, her circumstances did not define her.  Her love for God showed through every situation that came her way.  Through the good, through the bad, in every day life, The love of Jesus shines through Grandma.

Life is Funny

Grandma and Laura

There will be funny things that happen in our lives.  And those funny circumstances should be shared and laughed over.  Our family has spent many many hours around the kitchen table playing games, talking about our lives, and laughing.  Lots of laughing.  We have many stories on Grandma and ourselves revolving around every day things that went off kilter.  Laughter keeps us going and memories of those times make tough times easier.  

Aunt Rona, Grandma and Rick

Jesus is her best friend.
I can't tell you how many times, I walked out of my room to find Grandma pouring over her Bible.  Even when it was no longer easy for her to read because her eyesight was getting worse, she would have her Bible out.  Studying the words of Scripture with a passion all her own.  When it was told to her that she would probably not survive this current health crisis, her response was simply, "If Jesus lets me stay, that's fine and if He takes me home, that's fine too."  But it was followed closely by words for all of us, "I want to see you all there too!"  And it wasn't a haphazard remark...it was a reminder to us that she wanted us to follow Jesus and live in such a way that we would indeed see her in heaven.

We've learned a lot from Grandma...and even now, we are learning how to leave gracefully.  I can not fathom what life will look like without her, but I am so blessed to have had her in my life for all these years. 

Grandma, Dad, and Aunt Rona