For today’s Faithful Friday post, I would like to write about one of the most faithful women I know, my grandma Jeanie. This past Wednesday, she was finally called Home, after a long battle with a myriad of health problems.

In some ways, her passing brings joy because I know she is finally free from the pain and heartache she experienced. I also rejoice because she is reunited with two people who have known her most intimately, most importantly Jesus, and secondly her husband. I remember her saying to me years ago, on a day of particularly intense physical pain, “Angie some days, I just want to go home.” She had a clear picture of where true hope is found. She always longed to be near to the heart of her Father and now she is.

There is something beautiful about the thought of heaven. I was talking with someone today and I thought they put it well. They said “I am not afraid of death, it’s the dying part I don’t look forward to.” It is beautiful to know that for grandma, the hard part is over, and now eternal rejoicing awaits. There is so much peace in knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is in heaven.

She suffered through chronic pain with dignity and grace. Despite the challenges she faced, she taught me many things, even in the short fourteen years I knew her. One of the main things she taught me is the Power of prayer. I know she prayed for me so much, and I know I have lost a great prayer warrior. Her prayers were such a gift to me. I never want to underestimate the value and power of praying for others.

There are so many other things I could share, but I think I could sum up her influence on me in one word: faithfulness. She was faithful to God in the face of incredible difficulties. She modeled for me how to live a steadfast and committed life, regardless of my circumstances. The gift of a good example may be the best gift you could give.

Thinking about this caused me to ask myself, Am I living in a way that leaves a legacy? Live well friends, this life on earth is only temporary.