A few weeks ago my last living grandparent passed on from this earthly life. Ethelyn Ricks Branson took her final breath and is now at eternal peace. “Nana” was a beautiful woman. She loved jewelry and fine clothing. She always had her hair done perfectly, smelled like expensive perfume, and carried herself with poise and a healthy dose of southern charm. Because she had only two granddaughters amongst a slew of grandsons, I was quite spoiled. There are many things she gave me through the years, but what lingers are her shoulders, her house-cleaning abilities, and some of her jewelry.
Her death came at an inopportune time, humanly speaking. We missed the funeral because of ministry travel commitments. I trust the Lord’s timing, of course. He has planned our days, our hours, and our minutes. We do not take our first or our last breath without His command. He is the Author of Life, the Giver of Life, the Sustainer of Life, and I willingly submit to His wisdom and authority.
As I think about my Nana, however, I can’t help but wonder about the timing of her passing for my own life. I talked with her a few months ago and tears ran down my face knowing it was perhaps my last time to hear her voice. She encouraged my heart with her love. And now that she’s gone, I wonder what lasting impressions she has made on my life and how they will inspire me. Will I pursue the eternal over the temporal? Will I honor her legacy with a life that pleases the Lord? What will my granddaughter say about me some day? Will she know Christ more intimately because of my life? Will she hear my voice ringing in her ears with the same love and encouragement?
I look at the ring on my finger and see diamonds that once shone upon her hand. They are strong and sparkling. Nana certainly knew how to light up a room! I pray to shine as she once did, like these precious stones. May my life be radiant for a Savior who makes both life and death incredibly wonderful.
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