Grandma Eleanor was the stabilizing force in my life for as long as I can remember. Her wisdom and common sense echoed in the depths of my soul. After her death, it seemed the grief would come in waves and cast shades of suffocating bereavement throughout my day. I would always find comfort in the Scriptures and consolation in the old hymns about Heaven.
But as our family was embarking on a new adventure, I was stung by this painful reality – Grandma Eleanor wouldn’t be part of my daughter’s wedding. As my daughter, Rebekah, and I made wedding preparations, I discovered a treasured picture of Grandma Bernadine cradling our newborn, Beka, in her arms. Hot tears slipped down my cheeks. I wish Grandma could be here. She would know exactly how many pounds of strawberries and bananas we needed for the chocolate fountain.
She could also help Rebekah and me with the theme for the wedding. We decided since Rebekah was marrying Zacharia David Fox, that “The Fox Tale Begins” would fit the bill. We hunted for tiny, imitation foxtails in hopes of making cute wedding favors with our witty slogan, but we weren’t having any luck. As I looked at the picture of my beloved grandmother, a small box caught my eye.
When Grandma Eleanor died, my father had given me the box which held a few of her knick-knacks. I opened plain cardboard box and saw a tiny package with a stained Martha Washington one and one-half cent stamp fastened in corner and a faded label addressed to Mrs. Eleanor Holtz. I lifted the lid off and gasped when I saw a tiny foxtail attached to a white leather bookmark that was etched with a gold imprint of a fox.
It was a “God wink” for me, and it brought such comfort to my grieving soul. As my fingers traced the soft foxtail, I pondered the delightful, heavenly gift. Could it be that Grandma Eleanor was a member of that great cloud of witnesses? Could she be cheering us on? Is it possible she already knew that her great-granddaughter will soon be married?
I may never know this side of Heaven the answers to my questions, but this one thing I know – The Holy Spirit takes great pleasure in comforting grieving hearts. So, let the Fox Tale begin!
Memory Verse:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
– Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, thank You for the God Winks that You give Your faithful servants throughout the day. You take time to let each of Your children know that You care about them. Help me to be in tuned to the Holy Spirit, so I can see all the special blessings You give to me, including…”
Contributing Writer:
Dixie Phillips
Leave a Reply