Christmas is over. The pretty paper is in strips and shreds in plastic garbage bags and forgotten boxes. The family has been here and gone. It is over until next year.
A life's lesson is found in Christmas gifts. It is the one time when all the presents are under the tree at the same time. As we call each name, one at a time, we enjoy the excitement in the eyes of the children, and then it happens. One child got a present or two more than another. It doesn't matter how much their presents cost; it is the "quantity" of presents under the tree that counts.
In our lifetime we search for "quantity" sometimes and forget about "quality." I saw this first hand when my grandmother fought so hard with cancer. The doctor asked her if she wanted a "quality" life or to take treatments that would give her "quantity" of life. She chose "quantity." Sometimes she was so sick she could barely sit up. She knew that there was no chance of recovery at her age of 84 and the severity of the cancer, but she decided to fight it as long as she could. It did give her, at age 84, a few more months.
Even though she suffered with sickness and pain, she got to see her first two great-great grandchildren. I have the treasured picture of five generations together. She may have missed them had she chosen quality.
Only our Lord knows what our future holds. It is like the brightly wrapped presents under the tree; the person who gives it knows what it is and how much it is worth. It is only when it is opened that the receiver can decide what it is worth to him or her.
Thinking about my grandmother as the anniversary of her death, January 1, approaches. She was a brave woman who loved her children and grandchildren and fought a brave battle to stay with them as long as possible.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for a wonderful legacy of a strong grandmother.
A little bit of Georgia Wisdom: Enjoy the moments you do have and search for the "quality" of life you want. It could be your "quality" of life is hidden in the "quantity" of life God gives you.
This story was very touching, it reminded me of a love so simular, yet so different. I did not know my grandparents, the were all gone when I made my appearance into the world. When I married my husband, Steve, I inherited two grandparents. I never knew so much love, the quanity I received from those two was of a real quality. God blessed me by letting me actually know of the love Linda is talking about in her story of her sweet Grandmother. She always had a little smile on her face! Carol Smith Looney
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