“Legacy of Belief: Embracing Grandpa’s Wisdom and God’s Affirmation in 2024”

January 2nd will always be a special day for me, because it’s my late Grandpa Don’s birthday. He arrived in his heavenly home almost 13 years ago, so I like to spend this day thinking of our favorite snacks of Pepsi and nutter butter cookies, lake memories with water skiing, and Sunday fried chicken dinners with extended family after church. I will never forget the way he smiled the most genuine grin and made you feel so loved.  

I often write about my Grandma Mabel and Grandpa Don because they played such a significant role in every stage in my life. From my earliest memories spending time with them in their backyard on their metal swing set to watching Nickelodeon on their t.v., because they had one of the giant, fancy satellites. Not many of us had satellite t.v. when I was a kid. My sisters and I loved getting to watch contestants get slimed on Nickelodeon’s show “What Would You Do?”   Anyone remember having to key in G4 and then another number 1-24 to find your favorite show? I’m not sure my kids would be patient enough to follow all of those steps to find Disney Plus! 🙂

As fun as my grandparents made everyday moments, one of my favorite parts of my grandpa was that he constantly believed in me and spoke truth into who he saw I could become. When I was in college, he called me several times a week and wanted to hear about my classes. Even though he never attended college, he believed in the power of education and showed interest in each step of the journey. He ended every call telling me how proud he was of me and that he loved me. It didn’t matter if I was discouraged over a math test grade or feeling overwhelmed with the workload of assignments that needed to be accomplished; Grandpa helped me see beyond the “here and now” and imagine how things could turn out once I was finished with my degrees. 

I wish that I could have one more phone call with my grandpa while on earth. I would love to tell him about my own four “little darlings” (that’s what he always called my sisters and I). I would tell him we are almost finished building our house on the family land he originally passed down to my mom and now to us. More than anything, I wish I could tell him my hopes for the new year and the projects God is impressing on my heart. I am confident that as soon as I would share these hopes and dreams, Grandpa would immediately tell me how proud of me he is, and that I could do it. 

This reminiscing led me to think about my one word resolution for 2024. Remembering how my grandpa constantly believed in me. His reassurance in turn helped me believe in myself even when I didn’t know how it all could work out. The word “believe” stands out for me this year.

As much as my grandpa will always be a special person in my life, I am learning that our Heavenly Father loves us beyond what my grandpa ever could. The Lord sees the small glimmers of growth inside of us and knows how our life’s stories are going to end. He is the one who inspired these passions, strengths, and dreams from before we were even born. 

So, as I remember my grandpa today, I also hear the Lord gently impressing on my heart, Daughter, I believe in you, too. Believe Me this year. 

Friend, I would love to read about the people who have shaped your life, encouraging you to follow the dreams God impressed on your heart. 

Also, anyone joining in on the one word resolution journey this year? I would love to hear about the word that resonates with you in this season of life.

This is one of the last pictures I have with my grandpa before he went to heaven. He was able to hold our first born (“little darling”) Mackenzie. I treasure this memory.