May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
When my mom was pregnant with me, my grandpa had a massive heart attack. He stopped breathing several times, and the doctors kept bringing him back. After he was stabilized, the doctors gave him a maximum of seven years to live. He had several heart attacks throughout the years, but he played a very active role in the lives of his grandchildren. He didn’t pass away until I was 21 years old.
Grandpa taught me how to love the Lord and that actions speak louder than words. He taught me to be on time (I’m not perfect, but I try)…remember Sunday mornings? He was the one out in the back alley teaching me to ride a bike (or the lack of…maybe crashing into the shed has something to do with that).
He taught me to take time to relax by enjoying shows like the Price Is Right. Also, relaxing with loved ones is so important. He loved his family vacations! When I’d say, “Just one more night,” he was all for it!
He taught me confidence by carrying his hot tea without spilling it. He taught me sharing…Trident gum and oranges that I wouldn’t have to peel! He taught me gratitude from a good back scratch while sitting on the arm of his chair. He taught me how to savor a good cantaloupe on a hot day. He taught me to not be afraid to voice my opinion. He even tried teaching me the birds and the bees…I’m still scarred!
What I’m trying to say is that even though he was faced with unpleasant conditions every day of his life for 21 years, he allowed the God of hope to fill him with joy and peace. He trusted in the Lord and maintained a good attitude. I don’t remember the one person who seemingly had a right to complain, doing so. He never stopped living the life God gave him! He still got on my great-grandma’s roof…just to make sure they were doing things right up there! He lived life.
He spent his share of nights in the hospital. We even laughed and had joy during those times! My grandpa’s attitude was a big part of that. My grandma had a huge part in that too. She always made it seem like just another adventure. We got to eat in a great little place within the hospital when we visited. Dessert was always special. She would sit and play games with us too! One vacation we had to leave an amusement park because he had to get to the hospital because of his heart (he didn’t lie around…zoos, amusement parks…), and I don’t even remember thinking that we were missing out.
The character trait for today is Joyfulness-maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions (definition from characterfirst.com).
Andrew Matthews said, “We learn more from disasters than we do from success. Disasters get our attention and we take action!”
Steve Remington said, “You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you were not paying attention to. There is always a way to turn a negative situation into an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.”
Grandpa had to slow down, but he didn’t let that get him down. I believe the quality of our time together was so special because he was wide awake to the amount of time he had left, yet he never dwelled on it. He made the best with what he was given. He was a better version of himself.
Today, when you feel like complaining or getting down in the dumps, stop it! Use whatever problem you’re facing to become a better version of yourself. Have a hot tea and some oranges, it just might make you feel better. Don’t let anything or anyone steal your joy!
