Boring is the typical word I used to describe Thanksgiving with my family. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family. I adore my grandparents and parents… but I can only pretend to be interested in political discussions for so long. I was elated to know that David (my brother) and Meredith (my sister-in-law) would be joining us this year. Potential discussions of ministry, theology, and memories of us being kids were on the horizon.
Something happened this Thanksgiving though that no preparation would have sufficed. The mash potatoes and stuffing had neatly been tucked away in the fridge as pie and coffee was served. David and Grandpa sat across from me in arm chairs as Meredith, my Nana, and I convened on the sofa. We listened to one of my favorite stories that I have heard dozens of times but could hear a hundred times more and that same smile would leak across my face. The story of how quickly my grandparents fell in love and were married… two weeks, people. When you know, you know I guess. I smiled and thought about how quickly David and Meredith were married. It must be a family thing. My Nana continued to tell the story of how God orchestrates our lives. I rarely hear my grandparents speak of their faith and my Nana’s words jolted my spirit.
“My self worth, who I am, comes ultimately from Him. All I know and need to know is that I am a child of God, and therefore I am more loved than I could have imagine and that is what makes me who I am.”
As words continued to drip from her lips I was reminded of Proverbs 31:26:
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
I could have cried in that moment. There is something so powerful about sitting with three generations of your family and knowing that you all are completely in love with the Lord. That was the first time I ever knew that with all my heart. Just as Christ orchestrated the meeting of my grandparents, so He also wove together that moment for my heart. Who are we that you are mindful of the Billingsleas Lord? What a blessing to know that my children may grow up with Godly great grandparents and grandparents. The Holy Spirit’s presence in the room was thick, nearly tangible. My name is Rebecca Mary Billingslea, and I have the honor of carrying my Nana's name as my middle name. May I be as steadfast as her in her faith. I look forward to the day I arrive on the shores of heaven to be greeted by my Savior and my Nana and Grandpa.
Proverbs 16:31, “Gray hair is the a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
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