A Grandmother's Love

“I won all the Chinese checkers games we played,” I announced to my parents after spending a couple days with my Grandmother.

They looked at me incredulously, but allowed me to continue telling about our activities. Later, my Dad said, “Your Grandmother has played Chinese checkers for many years and knows how to play extremely well. Before your Mother and I married, I played with her many times and never won. I think she allowed you to win.”

My bubble burst, but I realized my Grandmother expressed her love through allowing me to win.

Grandmother taught me to sew on her foot-powered treadle sewing machine. We used some of her material scraps to make two potholders. They looked good to me and I was thrilled. When an aunt came by to visit, I proudly showed her the potholders. She admired them, but then pointed out a couple mistakes.

“Leave her alone. she’s only nine. She’ll learn and improve,” my Grandmother spoke sternly.

Wow, I’d never heard Grandmother raise her voice to anyone before. Love rushed through me, as I realized she had defended me.

My Grandmother exhibited love to me in a variety of ways. When I think of her now, I am reminded of how deeply God loves me and shows it in many ways also. One being the forgiveness of my sins.

I am thankful to have been loved by my grandmother but even more grateful for God’s love.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 (NIV)