2 Corinthians 2:17b Common English Bible (CEB)
We are speaking through Christ in the presence of God, as those who are sincere and as those who are sent from God.
Grandma Chloe (pronounced “klo”) was a member of the
Churches Corners Garden Club.
Its members were ladies of the neighborhood who were also
ladies of the Church.
Depending on the week of the month that I spent with
Grandma,
I could attend Garden Club with her.
I now believe that Grandma probably had something to do with
the timing of
my annual summer week-long visit.
She knew that I enjoyed Garden Club.
I had to wear a dress – these were refined ladies!
A neighbor would pick us up – Grandma didn’t drive a car.
I’d sit in the back seat and admire Grandma and her friend –
wearing light, frilly hats – and sometimes gloves!
We would arrive at the home of the hostess and all the “old
ladies”
would fuss over me – I looked so cute, they’d say – “spitting
image” of my dad (Grandma’s son).
I’d smile sweetly, saying nothing but thinking, “Please,
ladies! I’m a girl!”
Putting that aside, I felt like a grown-up lady!
As we would walk around looking at the gardens of the
hostess,
I’d watch the ladies in their open-toe wedgie-heeled shoes,
stepping ever so carefully around the beautiful flowers.
Grandma Chloe didn’t even hold my hand – she knew that I
respected the property of our hostess.
I could sit beside Grandma during the meeting — sometimes
in the parlor,
or sometimes outside beneath an ancient shade tree.
We ate cookies and drank tea, served on a pretty plate that
had a special “ring” to hold the cup.
The ladies would talk and I would quietly watch – how they
held their plates on their laps,
how their earrings matched their necklaces, how they had
dainty hankies
tucked in an outside pocket of their purses.
It was a grand event!!
My demeanor, as described above, was learned – taught to me
by Grandma Chloe
over a several occasions.
Her kind, gentle, loving ways taught me to respect adults,
respect the property of others,
and respect the authority and wisdom of my Grandma.
These ladies were an important part of her life; I wanted to
make her proud of me.
God was teaching me to be aware of my place in each situation, to be considerate of others, and to return love with love. He used Grandma Chloe to guide me. Thank you, Lord!
Grandmas are God’s Gift to His youngest children; grannies know how to teach with His Great Love!