A White Handkerchief

Angels exist on Earth. 

We were attending church with my in-laws this past weekend because my husband and I were in town for a wedding. There was the usual small talk, smiles, and greetings in the chapel, intermixed with the prelude from the organ before the meeting began. The two of us sat down in the front row where Marshall's mom was sitting and Grandma walked up to say hi. She wrapped her arms around Marshall first, then turned to me with a kiss on the cheek and a warm embrace. I guess Grandma could tell something was up because when she asked me how I was doing, I answered with no words, only an open floodgate of tears. 

Just as grandmas do, Grandma Adams knew exactly how to help me. With her cheek pressed against my head, she held me tight while my shoulders shook. Grandma handed me her white hankie, embroidered with a single pink rose. 

"This is for you to wipe away your tears. Remember that there will be many tears to wipe away in the future; tears of happiness and tears of sadness." 

After she said these words, she got up gently and went to sit by Grandpa. I can't pinpoint what was upsetting me that day, but I do remember what an angel from Heaven--in the form of my Grandma-- did for me. 

She gave me her love. She prayed for me. She kept the future bright and reminded me of the knowledge that I have of miracles working out in my life, albeit in the Lord's way instead of mine. She gave me her words of wisdom:

"Our prayers are not to change the Lord's mind but to change our own hearts, but sometimes the Lord is waiting for the right timing to give us the desired blessing.

Sometimes He wants the time to be long enough before the desired blessing, that there can be no question that His hand has been in the details.

Often when other trials come (as they always will), the memory of that miracle in our own life gives us the needed strength to endure."

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"  Philippians 4:7 

How Grandmas are full of wisdom and truth! 

Grandma Adams didn't know that she had been an answer to a prayer I had said that very morning.  

I will be holding that rose-embroidered handkerchief close to my heart for a long time to remind me of the peace that comes through perseverance and trust in the One who is mightier than all.