Fill the Gap
My grandmother passed away when she was 94 years old. She was a wonderful Christian woman. She served God her whole life by serving others. A nurse for several decades, she was known in the medical community as a person who put the patient first. She was loved and appreciated by many whom she cared for over the years.
Gramma also took good care of her family. With five boys and one girl, it took an extra special effort to provide each of them the individual care they needed. Even when a demanding work schedule took her away at times, notes under pillows and other reminders were always there to encourage her children.
In a family time just before her funeral, her children and grandchildren shared stories about Gramma. Special times, about older brothers teasing their young sister, about Christmas programs, about how Gramma remembered everyone's birthdays (no small feat considering her family grew to include 18 grandkids and 30+ grandchildren.Every story shared reinforced the fact that Gramma was a giver. She loved her family and she showed that love through notes and hugs and many other ways. And while the notes and hugs and encouragement were important, her children shared that Gramma did something that meant even more to them. She offered a gift to each of her children, and she gave it every single day. She prayed for them.
What an awesome thing! Do you have someone in your life that has prayed for you every day?
I Thessolonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing." Gramma obeyed that command, and with her passing a void exists in our family, a prayer void if you will. But it can be filled, and aunts and uncles have already promised to fill the gap.
Are you suffering from a prayer void? Have you prayed for your children, your spouse, your friends every day? I'm ashamed to say I haven't. But I can start and so can you. What an opportunity we are missing by skipping our daily talks with God. Let's all fill the gap!
About the Author:
Barry Holmen is a Christian educator and familyman from Minot, ND. He enjoys running and golf and playing with his two small boys. Barry also serves as webmaster of the Immanuel Online and Networthy sites.