My grandmother, Maria Warkentin Wiebe, was born in 1870 and died in 1959.  Her tombstone include her name and the dates 1870 – 1958. The “dash” between the dates of her birth and death represent her life.

My grandmother was a godly woman, studied the scriptures, taught Sunday school for many years, and lived with my family the last 15 years of her life. She followed the commandments Moses gave the Israelites in the desert by teaching me about God and His Word. As a small child, one of my favorite times was sitting on the porch swing in rural Oklahoma in the summer time listening to my grandmother tell me Bible stories and singing my Sunday School songs with me.

Life was hard for her filled with many disappointments and challenging times.  However, her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ carried her through those difficult years because she loved the Lord with all her heart.

When I think of the “dash” on my grandmother’s tombstone, I remember that she was a godly woman, loved the Lord and her family. She served him by teaching Sunday school and participated in the women’s group at church quilting, sewing for relief organizations and helping others.

Questions to ask yourself:

• +When your life has passed what will the “dash” on your tombstone represent to your grandchildren?

• +Will they remember your love for Jesus?

• +Will they remember that you were your prayer warrior?

• +Will they remember that you walked with God through the valleys and over the mountains on your journey of life?

OR

• +Will they only remember the expensive gifts you gave to them or the trips you took them on?

• +Will they remember that you did not have time for them?

• +Will they say, “I don’t remember my grandparents ever telling me they were praying for me?

As grandparents, let us present Christ to a new generation—our grandchildren.

© 2010 Lillian Penner