by Andrea Laser
If I had to sum up Grandma Dottie in one word, it would be spunky. She could justify consuming almost any kind of unhealthy food- for example, she relentlessly tried to convince anyone that would listen that Fritos were a healthy snack choice because they were made out of corn, and that potato chips were similarly healthy because they were made out of potatoes. She had an uncanny ability to pick out clothing for us that was not exactly in style, or age appropriate (wearing a sweatshirt that said “I love you beary much” did not get us many “cool” points in middle school).
All joking aside, my grandma was an incredible gift in my life. She engaged people in conversation that was meaningful to them. She took the time to ask people questions and actually listened to their answers. When you were with her you felt important. She had an awesome ability to make you feel special.
Grandma Dottie passed away over ten years ago. Some days, I honestly don’t really think about her, and there are other days, my heart feels broken over how much I miss her. Lately, I have been feeling the latter. I miss her terribly right now, I would give anything for one day with her, so she could give me advice, meet my children, tell me how unconditionally she loves me. She had a monumental impact on my faith life and my understanding of who Jesus is. She taught me to rely on Christ in times of uncertainty. She was Christ-like in her own love for people and incredibly generous to everyone around her.
Grandma Dottie left an incredible legacy of kindness when she passed away. It was the little things she did that made a big difference. Her wave, her laughter, her simple acts of love.
I think often we focus on doing “big” things to leave a lasting impression with people; but Grandma Dottie taught me that it's the little things that sometimes make the biggest difference in someone’s day. So maybe today we should wave to someone we’ve never met. Ask somebody we normally wouldn’t about their life. Take time to listen. Laugh so hard we fail to finish a story. Pick out some thing for someone because we love them, not because we think it's cool. Eat some Fritos. Leave an everlasting legacy of kindness.
Grandma Dottie left an incredible legacy of kindness when she passed away. It was the little things she did that made a big difference. Her wave, her laughter, her simple acts of love.
I think often we focus on doing “big” things to leave a lasting impression with people; but Grandma Dottie taught me that it's the little things that sometimes make the biggest difference in someone’s day. So maybe today we should wave to someone we’ve never met. Ask somebody we normally wouldn’t about their life. Take time to listen. Laugh so hard we fail to finish a story. Pick out some thing for someone because we love them, not because we think it's cool. Eat some Fritos. Leave an everlasting legacy of kindness.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2: 2-5