The Vacant House

When my grandmother, “Mom”, was living in a nursing home in Angleton, I would take appraisal work in that town and mix business with a visit. Mom had become a little old lady, tiny steps, slumped back, white support stockings. She sat in her chair, watched her TV programs, complained about her health, complained about all the other residents and some of the staff.

One visit, I was appraising a vacant two story house, in her town. The house had been ransacked and I heard something upstairs. I decided to visit Mom and go back to the house after our visit, if there was a hobo or a varmint upstairs, hopefully it would be gone when I returned. 

When Mom heard my story, she asked me if I was scared to go back to the house. I said it was sort of eerie. In no time, my tiny grandmother kicked off her house shoes, put on her street shoes, straightened her posture and was hot footing it to my car. When we got to the house, she marched in like my defender. She didn’t go upstairs, but she stood at the base of the stairs, just in case. Thank God, the house was really vacant. 

What I learned:

Everyone needs a purpose. When Mom felt needed, her youth and strength were renewed. I saw her become a younger woman,  she was determined to protect me.  Mom became an old lady because she felt her days of being useful and needed were behind her.  I needed her, she was willing to lay down her life for me, and God beautifully renewed her strength.   

Isaiah 40-31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.