My Grandma Taught Me

Friday already again! Weeks fly by so fast. Seems like only a few hours ago I was bidding you a good Monday.

I just finished reading Psalm 119. I love this psalm and for years have considered it my favorite. What gets me every time about this psalm is that the author keeps saying the reason why he loves God’s word so much and why he’s so eager and diligent to obey is because God has so thoroughly persuaded him that this is the smartest thing to do. This is how to experience fullness of life.

With this psalm fresh on my mind, I could pick any number of passages and just start writing about why it means so much. But I think I’ll just share my favorite of all:

I have not departed from your laws for you yourself have taught me. (Psalm 119:102, NIV).

I love this because it’s so personal. God Himself teaches me. He doesn’t just hand me a book (the Bible). Rather, as I read and meditate on it, applying its truths to my life by His Spirit, I grow in maturity.

This passage has always reminded me of a particularly wonderful memory of me and my grandma that I believe illustrates this passage well.

***

At ten years old, having watched my grandma knit slippers for me and my siblings so many times I decided I wanted to learn to make my own.

“Grandma, will you teach me to knit?” I asked one weekend when we’d come to visit. Delighted to show me, she immediately stood up and sauntered toward her bedroom. She pulled from the overhead shelf a big bag of yarn and knitting needles. She studied several pairs and then selected one along with a ball of yarn perfect for practicing. (I still have those needles!)

“Come sit next to me, Gayle, patting the couch. You need to sit close so you can watch me.” I eagerly snuggled up to Grandma on the couch, barely giving her enough elbow room to maneuver the needles. I was so excited Grandma wanted to teach me to knit. Soon I’d be able to make my own slippers! I watched intently as Grandma first showed me how to cast on. Before long, she handled the needles to me. “You try now.” I’ll be right here to help as you need it.

Boy did I need it!

Often as I was learning to knit whole rows, I’d glance up and say, “Grandma, this looks funny.” “Let me see,” she’d say. I’d hand my needles and yarn to her and she would patiently begin unraveling my stitches one by one until she found my error. She’d correct it, explaining where I had made my mistake. Then she’d hand my piece back to me and I’d continue. “It takes practice, Gayle,” Grandma would say. “Be patient. You’re doing great.” With continued practice my rows became more even. Eventually when I made mistakes, I was able to correct them myself. Then Grandma taught me to crochet.

Draped over my couch and loveseat in my living room are two afghans I crocheted years ago. Sometimes guests will ask how I learned to crochet. I always smile and say, “My Grandma taught me when I was a little girl. That’s the way I’ve come to view God’s instructing me through life. Just that personal.

Have a great weekend all!