There was a rustling of pages as a soft voice called out sweetly from the back of the room, “four-hundred and seventy seven.”

Nearly ten years ago, the church where we served, periodically hosted hymn sings allowing the congregation an opportunity to worship through music steeped in the traditions of our faith.

Our accomplished pianist skillfully played each song that was announced.  I, on the other hand, secretly prayed the selections were familiar and minimal sight-reading would be involved.

As I turned the pages for the next request, I locked eyes with my grandmother who faithfully attended the Sunday evening service. Her reassuring smile gave me the confidence needed to push forward no matter what notes greeted me on the page ahead.

I was relieved to discover that her chosen melody, “Make Me a Blessing,” was one I had heard for years and just so happened to be her life mission.

Its lyrics so simple, with a message so powerfully conveyed.

Out in the highways and byways of life, Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing
Out of my life may Jesus shine; 
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love, Tell of His power to forgive; Others will trust Him if only you prove True, every moment you live.

Give as ‘twas given to you in your need, Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed, Unto your mission be true.
George Schuler

Having a large family always seemed like a natural thing to me until I witnessed it through the eyes of my husband. When we met, Ryan’s extended family consisted of a set of grandparents, two uncles, their wives and a handful of cousins.

His first exposure to my dad’s family was somewhat shocking as he was instantly greeted by a plethora of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Holiday gatherings could easily include upwards of seventy-five people.

My petite grandmother, the matriarch of this abundant clan, loved two things above all else, her Savior and her family. 

Early memories are filled with family camping trips, cookouts, holidays, and reunions. Nevertheless, the time spent getting to know her as an adult will forever be among my favorite recollections. 

From her love of discussing scripture with Ryan to watching her face light up each time I led worship; I was abundantly blessed by this amazing lady. 

One conversation, a few years prior to her death, held in rockers on the front porch of her brick home, is cemented in the corners of my mind.

Per usual our discussion drifted toward the Bible and its impact on our lives. Grandma shared her desire to live a life worthy of Christ, one modeled after the woman outlined in Proverbs 31:10-31. The tenderness and joy that filled her voice while recalling her life as wife and mother, was truly humbling.

In those brief moments she described her prayer for her family and all that she encountered; that each one would know the love of Christ. 

Later that evening I pulled out my Bible and opened to the passage in Proverbs. I found within the ancient text a depiction of the woman my precious grandmother had in fact modeled for decades. A life filled with loving first her Savior, and then her family, followed by each and every person that crossed her path. 

Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

(Proverbs 31:25-26, NASB)

It was the very message I needed to hear in that season. This call-to-action kind of living challenged me as a woman desperate to find her place in the world.

Although my life didn’t reflect that of a traditional mother, I was confident God had given me an opportunity to impact the lives of those around me. 

I became burdened for the young people God placed in our path, namely our nieces, nephews and the “daughter of our heart,” Brooke.

Following that encounter, Ryan and I committed to praying for, mentoring, and sharing our love with them, as if they were our very own.

We firmly believe that every interaction is an opportunity to encourage and uplift our “kids”. Our prayer is that they recognize Christ’s love within our devotion to one another and to them.

A few years ago the family was called to the nursing home to say our final goodbyes to grandma. In those moments, my mind was consumed, not with sadness, for I knew she would soon be rejoicing in Heaven.

Rather, my thoughts centered on her sweet voice that Sunday evening long ago, praising her Lord, “…Out of my life, may Jesus shine. Make me a blessing Oh Savior, I pray…”

It was as if God sent a gentle reminder to re-ignite my soul. Grandma didn’t serve for any recognition or praise from this world, she simply loved Jesus and wanted to bless others.

May we each take time today to apply this simple truth. Regardless of life stage or circumstance, we have an opportunity every single day to bless someone else.

My prayer, dear reader, is that we become intentional about engaging in those divine appointments to be used by Him!