Grandma's Lamp

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 (NLT)

"The only thing I really want is the lamp by grandma's bed," eight year old Holly made her request known.

It was a busy weekend as the children and grandchildren gathered to go through and separate the things in their mother's house. Just a few short weeks ago cancer had consumed her physical body and she went to be with Jesus.

Becky would get the piano. Dana wanted her grandmother's bedroom suite. Heather would soon be driving so she needed the car. On and on it went as they tearfully sorted through everything in the house. A roll of quarters, a sack of wheat pennies and a prayer journal were found. Each item told them a little bit more about their mother they had loved so much.

Finally, physically and emotionally exhausted the weekend was over and they were ready to make plans with a realtor to list the house for sale.

Letitia gathered up the lamp by her mother's bed and took it to her niece, Holly, who had asked only for the lamp. Curious as to why Holly would want that lamp she was happy to hear her say, "Aunt Tish do you want me tell you why I wanted that lamp?"

"I would love for you to tell me," Letitia responded.

"When I spent the night with grandma we would have a picnic in bed and she would read the Bible to me by that lamp," was Holly's explanation.

Now, Holly will always have the bedside lamp as a remembrance of a loving grandma sharing cookies and reading the Bible to her. It is obvious that Holly loved grandma and grandma equally loved Holly.

Sometimes it is difficult for us to understand, but God loves us even more. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. His love is not self-centered. Much like Bettie reached out to her grandchildren, God reaches out to all who will accept Him as their Savior.

Grandma's lamp is a precious earthly gift to Holly, but God's promise of everlasting life will be forever and ever. If you have never trusted Christ, put your faith and confidence in Him, because He alone can save you.