My grandmother was an incredible woman who not only held a special place in my heart as my grandmother but also as one of my closest friends. She always went above and beyond to help those in need, without hesitation or complaint and never had a negative word to say about anyone.
As the owner of a crèche, called Komarin, she shared her passion for teaching and love for the Bible with the children in her care every Friday during her ‘Good News’ sessions. She was also in charge of our Sunday school, where she would educate and inspire children to learn more about Jesus.
My grandmother’s compassion extended beyond the walls of her crèche and church. Every month, she travelled to a rural area outside of town to share her faith and bring joy to the children there. She brought sweets and cold drinks and made sure everyone had a wonderful time. Every December, she hosted a Christmas party and ensured that everyone had a gift to open.
I have countless cherished memories of road trips and holidays spent with my grandmother, filled with laughter and joy. Her sense of humour was infectious, and her positive attitude was a constant inspiration to those around her.
Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children” — Alex Haley
On February 25, 2015, my beloved grandmother passed away, and I still miss her terribly. However, I find comfort in knowing that I will be reunited with her in heaven someday. Until then, I hold onto the life lessons she taught me and others. Here are just 20 of the many valuable life lessons my grandmother imparted on me:
1. Get Rid of All the Negative Things in Your Life
Do a proper “house cleaning” and get rid of all those unnecessary things that you gather. This includes spiritual and emotional baggage. We fill our minds with thoughts that prevent us from moving forward. Habits that limit us. Diversions that take us down the wrong paths. Negative people who drain us. Fear that paralyzes us. Time that sabotages productivity. We concentrate so much on things that bring negativity into our lives that it doesn’t leave any room for positive energy in our lives.
2. Pick the Flowers of Life, Not the Thorns
What are you gathering in your heart? Do you pick all the thorns of disappointment, failure, and loneliness on your path of life? Or do you pick the flowers of God’s grace and His immeasurable love? Do you feel the sunshine of His presence and happiness? It is up to you to decide what you pick, but choose wisely because what you pick will determine your happiness and how you live your life. Life will always be full of thorns, but when we gather the flowers of God’s love along the way, we can create a bouquet that is beautiful beyond compare and brings us happiness wherever we go.
3. Every Person Needs a Good Friend That Understands Them
Everyone knows what it feels like to be hurt. So I’m sure you can understand why people would want someone by whom they can shed a tear. Everyone needs the understanding, warmth, and compassion of a good friend. Always try to be a good friend and lend a shoulder when someone needs you. John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you”. If you go out looking for friends, you will find that they are very scarce, but when you decide to be a friend, you will find friends everywhere. I do not have any riches to give to my friends, but I do find happiness in loving them, and for my true friends, this has always been enough.
4. Prayer Changes People Not Pressure
Don’t expect more from a person than what they can give. It will only harm the relationship. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the person doesn’t need to change. No one likes to be forced to change in order to be accepted. God won’t change a person just because you want them to change. Pray to God and let Him work in His own way.
5. Love Is Your Most Precious Possession
Wouldn’t it have been wonderful if we could buy anything our hearts desired to give to our friends and family? Unfortunately, this is not always possible, but there is something that you can give away that costs nothing: LOVE! Love is your most precious possession, and it doesn’t get any less precious when you give it away. Instead, the more you give your love away, the more you will have to give. Go ahead and try it.
6. You Were Not Designed For Other People’s Approval
You were not designed to need other people’s approval. In God’s eyes, your appearance is not the standard by which you are being measured. What people can see does not count. God looks at your heart. Start seeing yourself as God sees you. It is His opinion that counts.
7. Faith Doesn’t Indemnify You Against Storms
Jesus told His disciples to sail to the other side and then went to sleep. While He was asleep in the boat, a hectic storm started raging. The disciples thought their lives were in danger and quickly went to wake Jesus up. Jesus got up and told the storm to stop raging, and then he asked his disciples: “Where is your faith?” Faith does not indemnify you against storms; it only equips you. Remember, when God is with you, you will get to the other side.
8. There are 3 Types of People in the World
- The Critical One: They are the first to blame you and the last to help you. Stay away from them.
- The Cautious Ones: They avoid you in difficult times so that they won’t be associated with you when things get tough. Never put your trust in them
- The Persevering Ones: You can always count on a real friend’s love. Recognise these people in your life and build your life around them because they are gifts from God “
“A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love, and encourages you with hope.” — Unknown
9. Remember to Look Forward
Wise men say that if we do not learn from our past, we will keep repeating our mistakes. Sometimes it is good to look back in order to learn, but if you keep looking back in the rear-view mirror while you drive, you will end up in a ditch.
10. Think Before You Do
The future lies ahead of you, like an untouched path in the desert or one on which white snow has fallen, waiting to be explored. Be mindful of each step you take, for they shape your journey and leave an imprint behind. Choose your path with care, and make each moment count.
11. Focus on Your Opportunities
Other people and circumstances don’t determine your attitude; you determine it. You must learn to focus on your opportunities, not your rights. It’s up to you to decide what kind of attitude you want to have in life. Other people and circumstances may influence your mood, but ultimately, it’s up to you to choose how you want to react. If you focus on opportunities instead of your rights, you’ll be better equipped to face whatever challenges come your way.
12. Prayer is the Most Powerful Energy in the World
We do not always realize the power of prayer. It is one of the most powerful sources of energy in the world. It can change a person’s outlook on life radically. Hate can change into love. Misfortune can turn into blessings. Despair can change into joy. Confusion can change into certainty and stormy water can become still. Yes, prayer can change a person’s life drastically. Try it, you will be astounded.
13. Make the Right Choices
Making our own choices is one of the biggest abilities that God gave us. It gives us the power to choose what we want to do with our lives. It can also cause a little bit of distress because it means that you are responsible for the choices that you make. May you choose life and light instead of darkness.
14. The Bible Reads You
There’s a reason why the Bible remains the most-read book in the world. Many people read many books, but the Bible reads you. A lot of people say that they do not get anything out of the Bible, but it doesn’t have to be that way. FB Meyer said: “Do not read the Bible like you read the newspaper, read it like you would read a love letter”
15. Do Not Wait To Do Good
The Bible says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.” Do not say to your neighbour, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you — Proverbs 3:27–28”. Postponing things can be misleading. Before God can “promote” you, He first looks at what you have done with what He already gave you. It is not about money. You can help others with any of the many talents God gave you. Sometimes someone just needs a few words of encouragement; do not wait to offer it.
16. Let Your Dream Be Bigger
Are you worried about being rejected? You will never be successful until your dreams become more important to you than your fear of being rejected. Successful people also fear rejection, but they believe that their goals are worth more than rejection.
17. Laugh Out Loud Often
It is so easy to get caught up in the seriousness of life and forget to have a little fun. But laughter is important for our physical and mental health. Laughing helps us feel happier and more relaxed. It can reduce stress and lighten our mood. So next time you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, take a few minutes to watch a funny video, read a humorous article, or share a joke with a friend. And don’t be afraid to let loose and laugh out loud!
My grandma had an amazing sense of humour. She could always see the funny side of just about everything, and she often laughed out loud. Her laugh was contagious, and soon everyone would be laughing with her. I’m not sure where she heard this joke, but this is one of the many jokes she told me:
“Three women were having tea together when they decided to share their weaknesses with each other. The first woman admitted that she sometimes drinks too much and becomes very drunk. The second woman says that she’s very jealous; in fact, she has been jealous of her best friend’s beautiful house for years now. The third woman doesn’t say anything. The other woman told her that it was not fair that they shared their weaknesses but that she was unwilling to do the same. The third woman took a deep breath and said: ‘I love to gossip, and I can’t wait to get out of here so that I can go tell everyone about your weaknesses.”
18. Be God’s Pencil
‘I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world — Mother Teresa.
My grandmother lived her faith through her actions, always leading by example and demonstrating God’s love to everyone she met. She never imposed her beliefs on others, but instead shared her faith with gentle kindness and without judgement. Her unwavering love extended even to those who were shunned by others, as I witnessed firsthand when she went to great lengths to help a troubled alcoholic who no one else wanted to be around. Despite the challenges, my grandmother remained steadfast, demonstrating compassion and grace even in the face of adversity.
19. God Won’t Change You Against Your Will
God never changes people against their will. Before there can be a change, you have to cooperate with God. He wants you to subject to His will before He can change you. Your transformation can only begin when you are sincere in your desire to change, and what seems impossible can become a reality through the power that God will give you.
20. Don’t Wait For Perfect Conditions
Perfect Conditions? You will never find it. “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap” — Ecclesiastes 11:4. Waiting for everyone to agree with you? It will never happen. When David said that he was going to fight against Goliath, his brother, a soldier in King Saul’s army, told him to go home before he brought shame to their family. David refused and won the fight against Goliath with the help of God. So often, we convince ourselves that we will begin working toward our goals when our condition improves or when everyone else agrees with us. If you want to accomplish great things, you must be willing to take risks and put yourself out there. Why not begin today? There will never be a perfect time — so start now.
Conclusion
My grandmother was a pillar of strength and guidance for me, and her lessons continue to inspire and shape me to this day. It is my sincere hope that the 20 life lessons shared here will also inspire you to deepen your connection with God and to live a life full of purpose and fulfilment. Let us all strive to embody the kind of love, kindness, and selflessness that my grandmother exemplified, and make the world a brighter place for those around us.
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