Saturday, December 6, 2014

Nana's Love

I love to be invited! I remember meeting my oldest brother Bill’s soon to be mother in law for the first time when I was seven years old. Her eyes were filled with delight in my presence. She had been many years without little ones in the house and she was a caregiver by nature. After our brief encounter when we stopped at her house to pick Vicky up for a family wedding, she invited me to come back another time and spend the night or weekend with her. I accepted the invite with great anticipation. I was chosen!

When I showed up at her house one warm summer afternoon, I was so nervous. Then I caught a glimpse of her radiant smile! That sweet Italian face shone like the sun through her window pane and her tiny frame seemed to whisper come and play with me. She had been looking out the window and waiting for me like when you order something online and run to the window every time a brown truck comes near. She was expectant. She hustled to the door and bubbled over with excitement that I had finally come. She took my face in both hands and kissed me on both cheeks. She gave me a warm hug and said “Oh Jeannie, I am so glad you are here!” She meant it. She proceeded to share her plan and hopes for our time together. She began by asking, “What do you want to make for dinner?” I had no idea what to suggest, having never been invited in to the planning and preparation of meals. She said with great joy, “I will just have to surprise you.” I like being surprised maybe even more than being invited!

We went to the grocery store and the whole trip revolved around my desire. Nana awakened my desire and opened my eyes and heart to a banquet. She cared for and treated me like I was a princess. She took such pleasure in walking me through the grocery store and helping me discover what was good and pleasing to my tender and unsure heart. I fell in love with food while with her. The vibrant rainbow of colors, the rich and mouth-watering smells, the textures of the foods as we washed and prepared, and the sound of the chopping all helped to awaken my desire. And then, the feast… we had a 5 course meal on a regular Wednesday night. I am so thankful for that visit and the start of a relationship with such an amazingly loving bearer of Light.

Reflecting back on Nana, it is evident that she was an angel on my path. One of the many bright lights that were placed along my journey to whisper a truer truth than the lie I was believing that I was “too much.” Nana adored me. Her love was just like Christ’s. There was nothing that I needed to do to earn her love. It was simply and lavishly given. There was nothing that I could do that would kick me out of that place of favor and delight that she had placed me in. There was nothing I could do that would make her love me less. What a rich blessing it is to be chosen, set apart, and loved lavishly. In the Bible it says “See what great love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1John3:1

Nana passed from this world and as I remember her today, I give thanks for the legacy of love that she left the world with. Her kindness and radiant presence of care and nurture live on in my heart like a treasure. I wonder if you can take some time during this holiday season to remember with reverence and celebrate someone who has reached into your heart and touched your life for the better.

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