Grandma's Lamp

The older I get, it seems the less I knew yesterday & in the years past. I never really cared for the dated accessories my grandmother used in her home. And, yet, many years later I can see them in my mind's eye... the large collie figurine by the fire, the salt & pepper shaker collection displayed throughout the house, the framed sepia pictures of her grandparents long gone from this earth. I remember the scent of the bath soap that was by the tub (Dove) and the hand lotion she kept by the bathroom sink - which she encouraged us to use after we washed our hands (Jergens). I remember how she had a full meal ready for our family when we arrived - no matter the time and that she always called my dad "June" - her abbreviation of junior since he had the name of his father. 

Tonight as I rocked my sweet grand baby to sleep while making up verses to the tune of "Oh How I Love Jesus" (a song I probably sang hundreds of times as a child), I caught a glimpse of the lamp on the nightstand. It was a lamp I never intended to USE in my home. But, when you are paying two mortgages & helping two college students with their education costs, you don't have the luxury of buying new things for each room. You look through the things that others got but didn't want & you accept hand-me-downs that aren't exactly what you'd choose yourself. 

The lamp from my grandmother.
The night light that sat by my bed
as a child.

And, tonight I was peacefully bathed in the pale light from the base of Grandma's lamp. It has to be close to 40 years old. I remember evening prayers at Grandma's house & kisses & the base nightlight being left on - to bring comfort in an unfamiliar setting. I remember that you could barely see that light when the morning came. But, it was perfect in the night. 

I never really thought I'd ever want to have that little lamp. But, tonight it comforted me as I remembered the gentle love of generations of which I am a part. And, it gave me a special feeling of peace that I am able to gently love this new little one. 

"Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power."

Psalm 145:4



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