Longing to See

Ben and I have both written from time to time about our wonderful families growing up. We were blessed with a shared pair of grandparents on my mom’s side. On several occasions, my grandparents on both sides were pressed into action as babysitters which was a little more difficult due to the nature of my older brother Bradley’s cerebral palsy. 

When I was younger, I didn’t fully understand the extra sacrifice that was involved. They were always so welcoming of us kids and treated us like royalty. I can remember sitting out in the front yard with Grandpa Hayes watching the traffic up and down Cloverdale road, watching “The Three Stooges” with Grandma Hayes, chasing lightening bugs while my parents fellowshipped with my dad’s dad and mom.

This week I saw someone post about how my Grandma Creasy would sit on her couch in the living room. The couch was positioned so she could watch television but also see who had pulled up in the driveway. At least for us grandkids, it was always a welcoming site. We knew as soon as we walked in the front door that we would be offered whatever she had to eat or drink. From biscuits to a Diet Sam’s Cola, it was ours if we wanted and sometimes even if we didn’t. When I pass those houses I still look for those wonderful people that meant a lot to me as a kid but even more now that I’m grown. Sometimes I convince myself that I see them in those familiar spots as I pass by. 

I did a lot of growing up in those two houses and yards. Great and not-so great memories but all learning opportunities. The memories and lessons remain, my grandparent’s blood runs through my veins. Those are ways they are still with me on this journey. Similarly, God is with me. Every memory, thought and lesson of life is to be taken captive by the Spirit. I’m covered in the blood of Jesus through baptism. I continue to walk in His footsteps in remembering who He is and to whom I belong. Because of that knowledge it is never a long trip when I need to return to Him. Like my grandmother, the Father is always looking out for us. Whether we are loyal sons and daughters or we are still on our pathway back to Him, He longs to be with us now and in the future. As great as those biscuits, cokes and “Three Stooges” episodes were, they pale in comparison to what He has in store for us now and for eternity. Even our longing to be with our loved ones who are “resting from their labors”, points to Him. They’ve left a legacy that we all have a part in cultivating for those who follow after us. 

Travis