Faith | The value of love was learned at her ‘grandparent’s knee’
There was never any doubt. Of all my grandparents’ grandchildren, I knew I was their favorite. At least, that’s how they made me feel.
Each time we would visit, grandma would wrap me up in a tight hug and ask, “How’s my favorite girl?”
Grandpa would lead me to the icebox filled with ice cream sandwiches and root beer – my favorite treats. They would spend hours with us in their little kitchen, with grandpa telling us stories of train hopping and farming, while grandma prepared us a delicious feast; her famous ham, potatoes, homemade dinner rolls, and chocolate brownies.
As I grew older and started my own family, my grandparents passed on, but I never forgot the stories they told, the delicious food they made, and the way they made me feel like I was their favorite.
When my husband and I first moved to the Tri-Cities with our young family, we were eager to integrate into the community. We quickly became engaged in our children’s music, sports, and school activities. We enjoyed getting to know our neighbors, serving in our church, and volunteering in our children’s schools.
But as the children grew up and eventually moved away, the interactions I had with people through their activities diminished, and I found myself feeling disconnected, searching for a way to remain involved with this community I had grown to love.
As I considered what I could do, my mind was drawn to the scriptures.
When Jesus and his apostles gathered for the Last Supper, he instructed them, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). During his ministry on earth, Jesus taught,” Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39).
While I considered Christ’s teachings, a friend suggested that I volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program in our community. I completed training and signed up for a delivery route every Tuesday.
My experience has been nothing short of life changing. I have met people who have needed me, and I have found that I need them, too.
One man fell in his entryway and was grateful I found him. Another discovered we shared an ancestral connection and gifted me books from our motherland. So many others craved human connection and just needed a hug or a warm smile.
Each has taught me a lesson, helped me feel gratitude, and found a way into my heart. I continue to feel the love of my Savior, Jesus Christ, as I follow his commandment to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Sometimes, when I finish my Meals on Wheels route, I think about my grandparents. I can still see my younger self, sitting in their kitchen, hearing their stories and feeling their love for me. I am reminded that a warm meal, a listening ear, and a kind word made all the difference to me as their grandchild, and that their example showed me how I could do the same for others. In return, I am blessed with the connections I have made in our community.
If you are seeking connection and community, I invite you to consider how you can bless others by following Jesus Christ and his commandment to love one another.
Guest Spiritual Life writer Genene Smith is a member of the Richland South Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.