Welcome to 2023! Millions of people crowded Times Square to ring in the new year. After the large, sparkling, orb fell, everyone kissed and then rushed to find a restroom. A new year began. The experience was inspirational for sure. But was it life-changing? Today, I will share with you how the power of a praying grandma changed my perspective on the new year.
Party Like It’s 1999
Let’s take it back a few years earlier. It was probably more like 1985. I was a little girl then. My grandmother (Nany) was widowed and living alone in a small, lovely home a moderate distance from where my parent’s lived. She had a way of making each holiday special for us little ones. New Year’s Eve was no different.
A Party of Two
My sisters are several years older than me. I’m sure there were times when we all stayed overnight at Nany’s house. I must have been very small at that point. My most vivid memories are of when I spent the night alone. On New Year’s Eve, Nany would have special treats for the two of us. My favorite offering was a nice big bowl of black cherry frozen yogurt!
Staying Up Past Bedtime
New Year’s Eve with Nany was extra special because I didn’t have to go to bed as early as usual. We enjoyed a game or two of Chinese checkers. She liked using the bright blue marbles. I preferred the snowy white ones mimicking her pristine white head of hair. She made sure I won at least one of the marble challenges.
Susie and Me
When we weren’t playing with marbles, I found it fun to tease Nany’s Siamese cat, Susie. She was an interesting little ball of curiosity. My most vivid memory of her is how she loved to crawl under the colorful hand-crocheted afghan draped across the top of her couch. I could see her bright blue eyes twinkle between the loose loops of the throw. It was more temptation than I could bare. I found myself sticking my fingers in the loops time and time again, only to receive fresh punctures from the feline’s pointy fangs.
The Best Memory of My Nany on New Year’s Eve
Of all the fun we had together, I will never forget the midnight ritual my grandmother held each year as the ball descended in Times Square. As I sat there, wide-eyed, waiting for the countdown and cheers to begin, I witnessed something life changing. My grandmother never set eyes on the big celebration in New York. She could always be found, down on her knees, kneeling by the couch, fervently praying for the year to come.
Nany’s Prayer
I never heard the words she prayed. It was silent to me. But the cries of her heart rang loud and clear in Heaven. I have no doubt she prayed for her family, friends, and community. She asked for direction and forgiveness for any shortcomings. She sought help and strength to conquer the daily tasks set before her as a single widow. She made a difference.
The Power of a Praying Grandmother
Her prayers, along with countless others, carried her and our family through good times and bad. She set a shining example for those of us who remain here on earth. As her grandchildren, we witnessed the life of a true example of Christian living. She wasn’t perfect, but never claimed to be. Her desire to follow Jesus and do her best to help others was evident.
Carrying on a Legacy
Now, I have young adult children of my own. My grandmother lived long enough to meet both our daughters, though they were very young at the time. Her prayers and legacy surely live on. I prayed for my children before they were conceived. I pray for my grandchildren before they are possible. I understand and see firsthand the importance of trusting our family’s life to a God who cares more than I can even imagine.
New Year/New Perspective
Now, the ball has fallen once more. People in Times Square kissed, partied, then scurried to find facilities, fighting traffic to get home. It is a new year. What has changed? What have WE changed? I never want to be perceived as “preachy” or better than anyone else. I must confess this is a fear that often leads to using more restraint than necessary. But I must be true to who I am. Faith in Christ is not a part of me, it is who I am. It has nothing to do with how good I am, but rather how forgiving He is of me.
Moving Forward
I have been given a precious seed by my grandmother. It is the heirloom variety as pure and simple as they come. Moving forward I must feed, water, and propagate the harvest and share it with you. To keep the fruit to myself would be an injustice. I pray for blessings in the coming days and years. You are here for a reason. You are loved and not forgotten. For auld lang syne.
