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GailFriends - Granny’s Dishes
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GailFriends - Granny’s Dishes
By Gail Golden
Publicist and Ministry Partner - Pocket Full of Change Ministries
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. Luke 6:38 (NIV)
December is a special month for me as I celebrate both Christmas and Hanukah. It’s also a time to remember my grandmother, whose birthday was in December. One year, shortly before she passed away, the family gathered on the first Saturday of December to celebrate her 80th birthday. Granny birthed eleven children, and was stepmother to four. Nine of her children were still living at the time and with spouses, children, and grandchildren, we numbered around fifty.
That Christmas, Granny gave a gift to every family represented. She passed out her gifts, wrapped in white tissue paper and tied with red curling ribbon, with an apology for not being able to give one to everybody. We opened them to find a bowl, a plate, or a cup. All were dime store dishes with a pretty pink rose decal and gold trim. I’ll never forget the joy on her face as she watched us open her gifts. Granny was poor, but she sacrificed to give to her loved ones. She loved giving, and through her example that day, I learned giving was more important than the gift.
Because I wanted to remember this lesson, and also pass it on to my grown daughters, I asked God to help me find some of Granny’s dishes. God heard my prayer very quickly and answered it when I visited a nearby flea market. I found 4 cereal bowls, 2 plates, and a platter. The bowls had a few chips, but were okay, because I’d keep them for myself. I whispered, “Thank you, Lord!” and bought the whole lot.
I gave the plates to each of my daughters and told them the story of Granny’s dishes as they unwrapped them. The cheap dime-store dishes are chipped and the roses are faded, but I treasure them. Every morning when I take them from the cupboard, I remember Granny’s lesson about love and giving. I pray my daughters will be reminded, too.
Gail is a ministry partner with and Publicist for Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information, to schedule a speaker for an event, or to request a newsletter, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden, Publicist at 904 316-5462. This ministry is supported by donations. If this ministry helps you or others, and God calls you to help support this work, you can make a donation to Pocket Full of Change Ministry at POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
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