GRANDMOTHERS PRAYER

"The effective, fervent prayers...avail much."  James 5:16

      Easter morning turned out as the weatherman had predicted...rain, hard at times, putting a damper on everyone's plans; from Sunrise services and Easter egg hunts to family gatherings.

      R.J. and I were invited to the usual family get-together at Carmelita's house.  She is my son John's mother-in-law.  I knew we were in for a delicious dinner because Carmelita loves to cook, in fact, cooking has been her life, having cooked for the local Jr. high school for over thirty years.

      As the time approached to drive to Carmetita's house, R.J. said, "I do not feel well enough to go over there for dinner." This announcement was disappointing and I replied rather brusquely, "Well, I doubt that you would feel any more miserable sitting among our children and grandchildren and all the relatives than you would just sitting here staring out the window at the dismal rainy day."

      A few minutes later he emerged from his room and announced, "You are right.  It will be good to get out of the house." It turned out to be a wonderful Easter celebration.  The friendly greetings by everyone made us feel welcome.  Our seven-year-old grandson Tyler came rushing out to the car shouting, "Grandma! We bought you a plant.  Come and see it.  It's pink and it matches your room."  It was a deep pink Azalea plant.  I loved it.

      As soon as I took off my jacket and sat down, Tyler brought me a card, urging, "Look at the card, Grandma.  See, it's like a train.  Read all the parts.  See, Eric and I signed it."  What a darling card!  The first section had a cute bunny wearing a dress and holding a rope attached to three eggs on wheels carrying fuzzy little baby chickens waving happily.  Each egg had a part of the message on it saying,

"WITH LOTS"..."OF LOVE"..."HAPPY EASTER".

      I barely had time to read the card before Tyler took it over to Grandpa and ordered, "Read it Grandpa."  Then, laughing, he said, "No Grandpa, you've got it upside down."

      After the Easter egg hunt we sat down to a wonderful baked ham dinner Carmelita had cooked.  While I was relishing my dinner I thought, how blessed I am to be with family and friends enjoying the Easter holiday.  I thanked God that R.J. decided to come after all.  When dinner was over, Tyler came over and sat down beside me and said, "Grandma, I like that basket you gave me."

      Just as I was thinking to myself 'what has come over this boy?'  I recalled the many prayers I had sent heavenward. God must have heard the cry of my heart.  It was apparent that a change had come over Tyler.

      We did not stay long after dinner because R.J. tires easily because of his illness and asked if we could go home.  So, after hugs all around, we put our jackets on to leave.  Tyler announced, "Grandma, I'll carry your plant to the car."  I could tell that a lot of love went along with the giving of this plant.  I carried more than a plant and some desserts home with me. Tears of joy filled my eyes because I felt so loved.

      After we returned home, I sat reflecting on our day, which had started out so gloomy.  I realized that God had used Tyler to bring happiness to my heart on an otherwise distressful holiday.  My grandson made me feel so loved.

      What is so amazing is the fact that Tyler and I had never gotten along well.  He used to tell me I was the meanest grandmother because I would not let him have his own way.  I wondered if we would ever have the kind of relationship his brother Eric and I shared.  Although Tyler's hostile attitude toward me continued on for a very long time, I never ceased praying for him.  I just kept loving him, but I would not tolerate his tantrums.

      I believe that Tyler has come to know that my loving him has nothing to do with his behavior.  He no longer refers to me as the meanest grandmother, but instead, I receive lots of hugs from him, and we are developing a closeness that I never thought possible.  God proved His faithfulness in answering my fervent prayers.