Come Rest

Mama Said

Matthew 11:28 ESV

Hit the Hay

Rest has always been an integral part of my life. Even when I was small I would play and rest, play and

rest. I loved nap time. I thought it was a wonderful gift. Even if I didn’t fall asleep I would tell myself

stories.

I loved dreaming up ideas in my head and I was never bored when I was alone. Even when I wasn’t old

enough to write I would think of things that ‘might be’. In addition to that, I love to laugh. People have told

me they heard me coming because I was giggling. My Grandma Ruby giggled.(a lot). She was

my Mom’s mom and she was a gifted quilter. She made such beautiful quilts!  For her, quilting was

resting. Grandma Ruby also had a wonderful quiet giggle.

Matthew 11:28 tells us, ““Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

During times of economic hardship Grandma Ruby was willing to take in family and friends who were

homeless. She took in entire families. Even though she knew it would mean a lot of extra work she had

an open door policy. Grandma was Methodist and her Mom was Methodist.

That’s just the way it was.

She had a heart for those who were heavy laden even when it meant extra work for her. See, in those

days there were no shelters for the homeless. There was no place for them to sleep and be fed so she

gave them a place to sleep and she fed them. They lived in an older large house with extra rooms and

once my uncle joined the Navy during World War 2 there was even more room.

Come. Come and rest…eat a hot meal.

I remember Grandma’s giggle most. When I would go stay with her we would put our heads together and

she would say something funny and we would giggle about it. Even though she’s been gone for many

years now when I think of her I see her giggling.

Personally, I think that’s a wonderful legacy to pass on to subsequent generations. Not only did she

giggle, she taught me how to giggle. In her own quiet way she taught me to always look for the laughter in

every situation. On the day she died I knew I would miss her, but I giggled because I remembered all the

fun times we shared.

Today when I think of her I smile. I remember. I rest in knowing she was a great blessing in my life.

Deborah/acrazyjoyrney.com