Tuesday, October 31, 2006

IOW: Scratches of Love

"Like the proud mother who is thrilled to receive a wilted bouquet of dandelions from her child, so God celebrates our feeble expressions of gratitude."
~ Richard Foster~


She was four years old.

She was at granddad's house.

He had a brand new car.

She had a nail.

And she scratched her name on the back of the car.

She ran to show granddad her act of love.

Her parent's freaked out.

But granddad swept her up in his arms and hugged her and exclaimed, "she's four years old and she can write her name."

He didn't see it as destruction---he saw it as love and accepted it as such.

This story was told at my grandfather's funeral in 1996. I was 28 years old. After the service, my great aunt came to me and said, "we still have that car." My grandfather had given her to car to use twenty years before but it was always a "loan." She was not to sell it. Twenty-four years my grandfather kept that bouquet of dandelions. Twenty-four years kept that signature. Twenty-four years.

And so it is with God. He stores up our bouquets of love and cherishes them. He chooses to forget our sins and he chooses to keep the love. Go offer Him some love expression today.

16 comments:

Ame said...

oh my! how beautiful! how wonderful to know there was a man who lived such a life that intimacy with his granddaughter was of greater value than any possession he could possibly have.

. said...

What a beautiful story.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story. I am certain that your grandfather smiled every time he saw your signature on his car...Thank you for sharing. Blessings on your day.

Tina said...

As usual a post that makes me smile and makes me think! (((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Absolutely priceless!
I can't wait to read this to my husband and children!
Sunydazy

Anonymous said...

What a precious story. Your granddad must have been a special man.

Anonymous said...

Such a precious story. Can you imagine someday getting to heaven and finding the keepsakes God kept from us? Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I cried. Such a story... such a *man*....

I will never forget this one...

Thank you...
Ann V.

Grafted Branch said...

What a great story of contrast...we will be remembered for our love, never our money or the fancy things they can buy for us.

This was your grandpa? You are blessed.

Anonymous said...

what a lovely true story how blessed you were to have such a special granddad

Anonymous said...

A beautiful story and a very special grandad

Nic said...

Oh Mipa, what a truly beautiful story! How wonderful that your expression of love was so treasured by one who understood!

That's the way it is with God. Others may not understand our ways of showing God that we love Him, but He does and that is what matters! Excellent post! :)

Sara Laughs said...

Can't think of what to say besides, "Wow."

That was fantastic. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Best story ever!! God bless

Little Miss Flossy said...

I've shared your story with friends and family - what a precious, precious memory.

Camy Tang said...

Oh my gosh that is so awesome! Such a great story for the quote.
Camy