My grandparents came into town this weekend to spend some time with me. A number of years ago, my Papa lived in Odessa as a young child. Early in his career, he lived here in Midland working for an oil company. My Meme also lived here for a short time, and Midland, Texas was the first place that my grandparents met. (I know they have told me the stories multiple times, but I do not want to butcher the details here, so I will refrain from the specifics…)
We went driving around different parts of Midland and Odessa. Partly I was showing them around, partly they were showing me around, but mostly we were spending time together; laughing, sharing stories, gleaning wisdom and enjoying the West Texas Plains. I showed them my office and some of the places that I already have a connection. We drove by the church where my Papa was baptized as a young man. We found the courthouse downtown where Papa had met Meme one afternoon to tell her that he was being transferred out of Midland. They both remembered that afternoon as if it was yesterday; it was a pivotal point in their relationship, not to mention my existence. We spent Saturday afternoon driving around the ‘old town’ looking for old houses that they had lived in. This endeavor was far less successful than the previous destinations, considering the fact we had no clue what streets they lived on, only general areas. They told me that in 35 years I’ll get to have my revenge on my kids or grandkids (oh my goodness!!!) by showing them all of my old places.
The rest of the weekend was spent looking at photographs from their travels to the Scandinavian part of Europe, drinking black coffee, sharing a wonderful breakfast together fresh from the kitchen of yours truly, attending FBC Midland where they both had attended some 53 years ago and saying our goodbyes. Meme and Papa are not shy about sharing advice and wisdom, although sometimes it is veiled in a story or experience that they had when they were younger. Meme is passionate about missions and spreading the gospel to our communities as well as the nations, so she naturally encourages me to get involved as much as I can. Papa is a giver and loves to serve, and he quietly, but boldly challenges me to do the same.
One experience that I do not think I will ever forget happened as they were leaving my apartment. Papa had loaded all of the stuff in the car, and he was eager to get on the road on schedule (like most Smith men). Meme was telling me a story about some pastor, I am sure. Papa could have easily said, “Sandra, alright that’s enough. It’s time to get on the road.” However, he stood there and patiently listened to his wife tell the story, which he had probably already heard. Meme finished her story and reached for a package out of nowhere. Meme had bought Papa a book by Bruce Wilkinson entitled You Were Born for This. Now I have never read the book, but apparently, it is about being a giver. Meme handed it to Papa along with a handwritten note on flowery card. He was thankful for the gift and leaned over and kissed my Meme right on the lips; right in front of me. Even after 50+ years, they still love each other and want to continue to build one another up. Papa then commented that he would mail me the book once he read it: a true giver. Neither of them realized what they had just done, but both had showed their love through either their patience or their service to the other.
At my current age, I cherish my time with them, because I am starting to see the Godly example that they have been to myself, my cousins, my parents, my aunts and uncles, friends in their church, members of their community, coworkers for many years and so many countless others. God only knows the impact that they have had through their generosity, faithfulness, commitment and service. I know that I will model how I spend my money, time and talents after Ray and Sandra Smith.
Again, I found myself extremely thankful and blessed this afternoon after they left, just as I did about a month ago when my parents left. Not only do I have parents that love the Lord and have modeled what it looks like to follow Jesus with my life, but I have a wonderful set of grandparents who have done the same.
Father, thank you for Godly parents and grandparents who understand Your grace. Help me to follow their examples and seek their wisdom. Continue to open my eyes to Your goodness in my life.
“Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” - Jeremiah 6:16
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” - Psalm 139:23-24
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