Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (KJV)

Inside her roughly built pioneer cabin were treasures. Carefully folded deep inside an old trunk, my great-grandmother's homemade blue Victorian wedding dress rested. Beside it sat her high button black leather shoes and her Bible. I looked through the window to her beloved small garden, to the tiny white clustered bridal wreath flowers, called "shoe buttons". Her humble heirlooms continued to inspire her family, and her small garden bloomed on.

Grandma's faith had prepared her for storytelling, and she had shoe-buttoned God's Word into her heart for safekeeping. She lived simply, sitting in her wooden rocker, while generations of children leaned against her knee and listened to her tell Bible stories. Her walls were bare wood, but for a picture of a guardian angel looking down on us. She told us that Jesus suffered and died for our sins, and then, scared us to death about hell-fire and damnation. Because she told me that God knew everything, I looked for black marks in heaven when I did something wrong. Thankfully, I've since learned about God's mercy and grace, but Grandma worked hard teaching us what she knew about how to behave in a proper way that would bring honour to her Saviour.

Years later, my sister gave me a shoe button plant because she knew that I loved them so. A blossom slowly floated to the ground, reminding me that given time, everything disintegrates after its purpose has been fulfilled.

Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. (NKJV)

When I look at my plant and remember Grandma's heart filled to bursting with her knowledge of God, I am inspired to share Jesus with my own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I pray that this word picture inspires you to do the same!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that everything has its season and purpose but that Your truth stands forever. Thank You that the love of Yours that Grandma shoe-buttoned into her heart is being passed on to people who never even knew her. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA
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