time will tell...

While growing up in a small rural community, a very long time ago, I recall asking my Grandma about whether something I had done or decided was ok. She had an interesting answer that I did not fully appreciate at the time. She would say to me, "time will tell". Time will tell. What does that mean?  Well my Grandma was a wise, compassionate and understanding lady. You would think a simple yes or no would suffice. But for Grandma she believed that would let me off the hook. So for her it was more important for me to learn about the impact of my choices through my own experience and discernment rather than the opinion or judgement of someone else. The lesson for me was that decisions and actions have ramifications far beyond the immediate circumstance, often well into the future..... that is most certainly a fact!

Grandma was devout in her faith, a disciple in every respect. Her faith was deep and abiding. She walked to and from church even as she moved on in age until her arthritis kept her homebound. Despite her pain, I never recall a single instance of her voicing defeat in the face of her pain and disability. Time will tell.

She always encouraged me to be strong, to not give up, to trust God. Time will tell. Grandma was right, over time life's experience will reveal to us alot about who we are and where we are in regards to right living and if we have love for others.

When my beloved Grandma left us my world closed in and my grief was overwhelming. I could not bear the thought of her not being there for me. She cared for me when I was sick, and broken. My life at that age was a wreck. What would I do, how would I go on, "Time will Tell". 

Today I can still hear her sweet, soft, quiet voice encouraging me. A sweet memory and I miss her. I want her to know that I turned out alright and that God has brought me to a place in life that I on my own could not have accomplished but for her love - her encouragement and her memory. "Time will tell, time will tell".

Grandma, I turned out all right, I have a beautiful wife, and you have two wonderful great-grandchildren, they are beautiful and living full and blessed lives.  Thank you Grandma, you did good! Thanks Be To God!!!