Me & Grandma Tracy, 12/2006
©Photo by Julie Hessletine, 2006-All Rights Reserved
Yesterday would’ve been my Grandma Tracy’s birthday. She died in May 2011 at 94½ years young, still living independently in her own place. In His mercy, God called her home before she went through a lengthy illness or significant decline of her cognitive abilities. What a way to go!
Think of all the changes she saw in the world through nine decades of living: the Great Depression, World War II, the assassination of a President, man walking on the moon, etc. Color television, computers, and organ transplants all came into existence during her lifetime. On a personal level, she experienced blessings and tragedies just like anyone else. She was a widow for almost 50 years. As a single mom she had to send two of her sons off to serve in the Vietnam War. By the time she was in her 90s, most of her friends had either died or were living in nursing homes. She had to deal with many losses, including a daughter and all but one of her siblings.
The more things change, the more things stay the same. “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NIV) Conflicts have been a part of the world forever. And, no one is immune to trials in his or her own personal life. We get so caught up in thinking the way things are now is the worst it’s ever been. When, if we look back in history, we will see that others before us have overcome some seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
How do we adapt and survive all that life throws at us? One thing we can be assured of is that God will stay the same and that He will bring good into our lives—no matter what. “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (James 1:17, NIV) Regardless of what we have to face or what happens around us, He will remain who He is and His promises will stay intact. He will help us to not just survive but to live well.
Oh, how I miss my Grandma Tracy. Do I wish things could’ve stayed as they were and that she was still here with us? Of course. But, that’s not how it works, and I have to adjust.
So, if you are going through a significant change or a rough stretch in your life right now—just remember that we can rejoice as David does in Psalm 62:2: “He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.” (NAS)
Blessings, Tammy
©2012 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved, except where noted