In honor of my middle riddle’s birthday I am sharing this post he wrote about his grandmother. He has his own blog, is still single and available. Kris is my middle son, and if you have followed my blog for very long, you know him as the adventurous and daring of My Three Sons. There are not too many things he won’t do from trespassing on the greens at St. Andrews prestigious golf club in Scotland,
to jumping out of airplanes,
competing in the crazy Spartan obstacle races…
or bicycling across the Golden Gate Bridge,
Kristopher is anything but boring. I love him dearly. In all of that craziness lies a heart of compassion that is hard to beat. I hope you enjoy his post today.
“Senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose.” -Lloyd Christmas
Just last week I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with my parents in Bloomington. I had just returned from a dentist appointment (no cavities FYI) so I decided to spend some time with my grandmother, or as she is better known as just “Mamaw”. We chatted, or I talked and she pretended to listen… She may have a slight hearing disability and could benefit from the technology of hearing aids.
If anyone reading this ever shares the whole concept of blogging, in particular this blog post, then I will kill you. If she doesn’t kill me first.
While we were talking, I was admiring some of the pictures on her wall. I don’t think I need to tell you, but my picture displays the LEAST on this wall. I am okay with it. Some people just aren’t fully appreciated until they are dead (meaning myself, not my Mamaw). However, I digress… In the entryway in my Mamaw’s house she has about 30 framed pictures that detail the aging process of our family. It is rather daunting, while impressive.
I was admiring the pictures and talking to her (she pretended to hear what I was saying) and then she brought another ten pictures that she wanted hung up on the wall. I grabbed a ladder and started nailing studs and frames. When we were finished we both stepped back to admire my work. It was at that point when she said something that I hope will stay with me for many years…
“Whenever I feel down and depressed, that there is nothing worth living for, I look at these pictures and realize all of God’s blessings in my life.”
Now this is a lady who has lost her siblings, husband, is a cancer survivor, has multiple disabilities and now practically deaf. She knows pain, heartache and disappointment. Yet in all of these things, she is able to look to the good in her life and be thankful for the blessings in the little things. Whether those blessings include a new day to be alive, family, friends, the birds and the bees, and her favorite grandson, myself, she is thankful.
Little did I know, that just a few days later, my employer would wipe out almost 300 full-time positions.
As I watched co-workers receive this horrible news, I couldn’t help but fear for my own future while grieving alongside them. Yet in that exact moment I had to be thankful for all of the blessings and opportunities that present themselves on a daily basis.
So I made a short list of things that I am thankful for.
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The best family and friends that a man could ask for.
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Real stability and community.
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Long runs on a hot day.
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Woods and natural wildlife.
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Home. Heat. Unlimited supplies of beverages and food.
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Education.
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Fishing.
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Daily opportunities to invest in others.
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Pretty women who can also carry on an intelligent conversation.
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Mexican food.
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Passion.
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Farmer’s Markets.
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Live music.
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Spotify.
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Books.
This list is not extensive by any means. But my Mamaw, no matter how old she is, was able to put things into perspective. You know, sometimes we can get so bent out of shape about our car not working, a higher heating bill, your spouse showing up twenty minutes late, or the other inconveniences in life but it’s not worth it to let those things consume us. There is way too much good and positive things out there to focus on.
I challenge you, as I will daily challenge myself to try and focus on the blessings of life. Find something you are passionate about, that makes you happy and knock that sucker out of the park!
My Mamaw may not be perceived as cool as the likes of Betty White or Doris Roberts, but she’s my Mamaw and I wouldn’t change a thing.
(Note from Nannette: Mamaw Tava is currently in the hospital and needs your prayers!)
Kris Elkins is a 28 year-old Christ follower. Always looking to make headlines, he is constantly looking for ways to bring laughter into lives as well as those “hand to face” moments, in which the audience sits stunned in disbelief. When not caring for patients as a RN, or helping to create hospitalized computer programs and saving hospitals millions of dollars, he can be found running, cycling, or even refurnishing antique furniture. He states that he can’t take all of the credit for being absolutely awesome, crediting his parents and brothers for some of these awesome qualities. He blogs at mereKristianity, when he feels like it.
Thank you Julie!! So glad you enjoyed it!! Blessings to you and thank you so much for taking the time to comment. He is a riot to be sure!! ♥
Wonderful Rosey! You were blessed!! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! ♥
My grandmother was like that too, just an awesome huge blessing to the family because she loved us. All of us. 🙂
This was a wonderful post, and I love all of the adventures from the introduction! Very cool. 🙂
What a wonderful, wonderful post! Oh, my goodness – it really was written for me, I think! What a great son you have – so insightful and funny! 🙂 I’m SO glad you shared this on my Counting Our Blessings link up – I know it blessed me so it’s going to bless all my readers, too! It really makes me think of all I have to be thankful for – and what a great tie into Counting Our Blessings! Thank you!
Many blessings to you – Julie
That’s awesome Barb…my MIL says that same thing anytime someone will stop and admire them with her…word for word 🙂 Thank you for the Linkup!
What a great post! My mil has pictures of all of her grandchildren in her dining room. I bet she would say the same thing about them since she can look at them every day.
Thank you for sharing your insights with my readers at Motivation Monday!
Well bless you! That made my day! I will make sure he reads this Joanne! He has always been living on the edge 🙂 But always had a big heart. Thank you so much for commenting today! ♥
This is such a great post on so many different levels! Seriously!!! Kris has written a wonderful blog with insight & humor & honor. Beautiful to read of his admiration for his Mamaw. But then to read of the perspective of this woman…how can one not admire her? Nanette, I am so glad you shared this post. This is also a testimony to your parenting. May you all enjoy the many blessings which God has given you. And Kris, may you never lose your zeal for life nor the humor God has placed in you. I absolutely LOVED this post!
Great post and reminder.
Thank you Jenifer! He has always kept us on our toes! Thank you for hosting! Blessings!
Wow, so much fun! And great encouragement!
Thank you for linking with Woman to Woman’s Word Filled Wednesday!
Hmmm…I think he is an original! I’m a “scaredy cat” as they used to say…Dad is more adventurous than me but neither one of us would ever jump out of a perfectly good airplane! Loved your post this week Jennifer…so, so good! ♥
What a fun post. I see from the photos that your son has a very adventurous spirit. Does he get that from his mom or dad?
Stopping by on the A Little R&R blog hop. Always a good reminder to listen to those who are further down the road than us. And such a wonderful lesson learned!
Great post. We are here from the Deep Roots at Home link up party. Thank you so much for sharing. My sister and I have blogs at http://rosevinecottagegirls.blogspot.com and http://thelifeofanotsonormalamericanteenager.blogspot.com We would love to have you over our place. We are having a link up too. Blessings!
Like mother, like son. Both fascinating and great people.
Blessings!
Sue
Fabulous post by your son!! I enjoyed it thoroughly and especially seeing he biked across the Golden Gate Bridge….once I jogged across it with my college PE class (just yesterday, right?!)
So true Sharon, and we will all BE ELDERLY one day unless the Lord takes us home! Thank you for stopping by today. Hope it is a great week for you friend! ♥
Wisdom, humor, and a heart after God. What a winning combination! I was tremendously blessed by this post – both for the reminder that I need to count my blessings as an antidote for my complaining – and for the truth that there is much to be gained by speaking to the elderly. We don’t appreciate them enough…
GOD BLESS!
Hello Michele! Thank you for coming by today. Yes we do have so much to be thankful for! Blessings to you and your family. Love you all! ♥
Oh thank you Cindy…he is interesting alright. It is rare to “hear” things like that from him although I see the actions all the time. Hope you had a wonderful weekend in the beautiful North! ♥
How sweet of you Sherri! We like him! Feel free to share his blog! He is still single, btw! I should have added that to the post, lol. Thank you for stopping by, please make yourself at home. Blessings friend! ♥
WOW!What a delightful young man. I really enjoyed his blog. I’m excited to share it with my two daughters. Candace Jo, you and the “Sweetheart” have raised an awesome son.
That was a very fun post by your son, he sounds like an interesting young man. Being grateful is something that we all need to be conscious of doing every day. It’s way too easy to let the negative thought processes take over.
Thank you for the reminder to be grateful!
What a great thought! We are often too busy being down or angry or worried to be thankful. And yet, there is so much to be thankful for!