GRANDMA'S PRAYER BOARD

 

According to Sir Merriam-Webster, heirloom is defined as "something of special value handed on from one generation to another." That is EXACTLY what my Grandma's Prayer Board is. It is a treasured heirloom, but more than that, it is the memories that go along with it.

Have you ever been given a family heirloom that is extra special, simply because of the memories that go along with it? It could be something that is plain as plain can be, but when you take into consideration the sentimental value, it becomes priceless~ {I think maybe I have watched one too many VISA commercials and/or Antiques Road Show episodes!}.

When we were little, my Grandma came to live with us. Every night, she would climb into bed with her long flannel nightgown and cold cream on her face and would read to us for hours at a time. She read us books like Little House on the Prairie, The Five Little Peppers, and literary textbooks from when she was a teacher. We would always end the evening by saying the 23rd Psalm out loud and praying.

Since my bedroom was next to hers, it was not unusual for me to fall asleep listening to my Grandma praying out loud. If she thought about somebody or something that needed prayer, she would pray.

As I was thinking about the word heirloom, I instantly thought, “What am I passing down to my children? What are they are going to have that is left of me when I am gone?” Is it going to be my Christmas dishes, Old photographs, Grandma’s bright-colored linens, my vintage German sled with the frayed rope? While I hope they appreciate those things and don't haul them off to Goodwill, I want them to know that we have a very rich heritage in having a relationship with Jesus Christ. I want them to know that God has been faithful to their Grandparents, to us and to them. Nothing...and I mean NOTHING is impossible with God.

"The story of the parting of the Red Sea was a memory that every Israelite would recall and cherish because it reminded them of God's power, protection and love for them as a nation. Memories of God's miracles and faithfulness often sustained Israel through their difficulties, reminding them that God was capable and trustworthy." (One Year Through the Bible)

All this to say if I had one heirloom to choose it would have to be the one that has no worth to most people. It is an old piece of cardboard from who knows where. It has some brittle tape on it along with names. (Lots of names!) It is my Grandma C.'s Prayer Board. It is not a fancy prayer journal...it doesn't even have lines. It certainly is not of archival quality, either. However, it’s a reminder that we were taught at a very young age that God is faithful and that we can come to Him for anything and everything. It spurs me on to pray all the time...no matter how insignificant the request may seem, because if it matters to me, it matters to Him. I want my children to know that God is trustworthy. I am thankful for that old piece of cardboard that was stuffed between the wall and my Grandma's bed and that all these years later we have something tangible to look at and to see God's miracles and faithfulness even when things are difficult... and that is why, above all other heirlooms, my Grandma’s Prayer Board is so dear to my heart.

Today I am linking up to Reluctant Entertainer. Be sure to see what Heirlooms others are writing about.

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