May 22, 2013
-
A Gift
Sometimes you don't realize the value of a gift you've been given until much later. When I was 9, my Grandmother gave me a Bible. I don't think back then I read it much. It wasn't for a few years that I actually got interested in reading it.
I look at it now, worse for the wear, and I just love it. I thought she had given it to me when I became a Christian at age 13, but I realized this morning that wasn't the case. I was 9. Leave it to Mema to give a 9 year old a study Bible! Out of nowhere I found myself wondering if I had ever written Oliver's name in the front pages where there's a place to record births. I hadn't. The realization that I also hadn't recorded her death in the section for that, made me sad.
I value this Bible more today than I ever have. It's like there are pieces of her in it.
I don't agree with all of her interpretations of its content, but I love that she cared enough to make me think about it.
I remember her own worn Bible, with notes made by us kids tucked in there as bookmarks. And a faded embroidered rose sticker from when she joined First Baptist all those years ago. I love that she's the one who gave me this gift.
She used to write notes in the margin during church. It annoyed me then but I like to read her thoughts now.
She had written my stepdads last name as mine (it was during a phase where my mom was encouraging that) and I scribbled that out later. It was never my real last name.
Comments (20)
That is an awesome gift!
That is a wonderful gift.
i love it! is this the same grandma you've mentioned before?
@richlyblest - yes. I have two wonderful Grandmas, one us still living. This is the one who died in 2010.
I love this story! You had a precious grandma.
That is such a neat story! I have some things given by my grandmother as well, that when they were given I thought it wasn't a very good gift... But now? I am so grateful! I had to laugh about her writing notes in the margin for you.
@lifeisadance - I know! Also sometimes I read her comments now and I'll think, eh, not so much right on there, Mema. But then I laugh and go on. It's funny. And then sometimes I'll think, yeah, she got that one right.
my sister in Lakewood,Ca. took dad's bible after he died. Judy was talking to my sister here in texas who I share the booth with and she called me and said,"Judy, is reading dad's notes to me over the phone from his bible."
I said,"Mo, you lived here in texas with dad and you have memories where Judy left home and stayed in Ca. back in 1968.
Little sister said,"I think she should have let someone in the family know she took his bible."
I told the dr. I was working with then about my sister crying and she said that they had something similar in her family.
Love this, such a wonderful keepsake.
oh, my grandma gave me one of her old bibles too! it's so worn and i have it on a shelf. precious to have a heritage of grandparents like this~ makes me look at my own bible and wonder what my kids/grandkids will say about it one day.
I remember my grandma's Bible vividly as well- she stashed our Sunday School papers that had the Bible story on them near the right passage so when we sat in Church next to her, she'd hand us the page that went with the sermon. My mom wore hers out and replaced the cover with one from Dr. Spock's book- How to Raise Children- always embarrassed me until I was old enough for it to make sense. I don't know where either Bible is, but I hope they are being loved and cherished like yours!
@Texasjillcarmel - - @grace_to_be - @jerjonji - I found out today that my sister actually has my Mema's bible, and I so wish that I could have it but i feel bad asking her for it if it's something she wants to keep. But I do want it. lol
This is sweet.
@aSeriesofFortunateEvents - It couldn't hurt to at least ask?
You were blessed by the love of this beautiful soul.
@aSeriesofFortunateEvents - you never know until someone dies who will get what.
wow! what a neat keepsake/treasure!! thanks for sharing!
We have Craig's parents family Bible that is falling apart but it is a treasured gift. This was neat.
Love this. I always write in my bible