"...But then face to face."

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then shall we see face to face. Now I know in part; then shall I know fully, even as I am fully known. ( 1 CORINTHIANS 13:12)

My Grandma, Doris Kennington, passed on to be with the Lord; Wednesday, 3-5-2008. She will be greatly missed by our family and all who knew her. Even as I am saddened by her passing, it has been a great blessing to reflect on Grandma's life. Her outlook, attitude, and actions were all rooted in an immovable faith in God's promise and love.

Grandma's positive outlook on life and upbeat attitude had profound effect on everyone around her. She had kind and encouraging words ready at any time and was generous with her time, food, and many other things. Grandma was an excellent cook and always had room for more at her table. She was featured in our local paper as "Cook of the Week" in 1979. In that article, one can catch a glimpse of Grandma's positive attitude as she was quoted:"...keep your sense of humor...people will be more interested in the bright side...never be ashamed to say you are sorry." This was an article on cooking and she encouraged other cooks to "keep trying and tackle anything." At this point I might mention, Grandma was an avid Dallas Cowboys and Texas Tech Red Raider fan.

I was talking with my dear friend, Dr. Chris Sutton, who served as Grandma's pastor for over 13 years, and he told me of a conversation they had that gives insight to her faith and upbeat attitude. After church one day she told him that Christians who are worried and complaining about their tough time in life and are down in the dumps all the time "are living beneath their privilege as children of the Kingdom." He went on to say that, "Doris was a perfect example of that statement as I never saw her 'down' even though I knew she had difficulties, as we all do." Chris told me he would never forget what she said that day. Just one phrase, from who knows when, but it stuck! What an effect great faith and a great attitude has.

Dr. Sutton, in consoling me, mentioned the verse above. (1 CORINTHIANS 13:12) Grandma's faith has paid off as now she is "face to face" with her Lord and no longer does she "see through a glass darkly". The glass, or mirror; is not just clear now, it's gone!

The Bible, Grandma's most cherished book, describes faith as "...being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". (HEBREWS 11:1) Grandma was "certain" of God's promise of eternal life through the salvation of His son Jesus. Now, in our grief as a family at the loss of such a remarkable matriarch, we also celebrate her life and legacy of faith. We can find joy that she is now home with the Father.
In 1935, Blanche Currier, a friend of Grandma's from Southwestern Bible School in Enid, Oklahoma, wrote this to Doris (Grandma) in her 'autograph book'.

When the golden sun is setting

and this earth no more you trod

May your name in gold be written

in the autograph of God

Doris M. Kennington (age 16)

Blanche, your beautiful thoughts have come to pass and God has brought home a true angel of a person; who walked this earth with us for a while...and left blessings where she trod.

Fading Light

A light is fading in my world, and yours though you may not know it. My Grandma turns 90 years old in August. She is ill, however and may not stay with us that long.
As long as I can remember I've never known her to be sick. Sure, she has had both knees replaced and uses a walker, but sick I've rarely, if ever, seen. Grandma is one of the most consistant persons I've had the pleasure to know. My whole life I could count on my Grandma's reaction to me, or to anyone for that matter. Love. Acceptance of you for you. Compassion.

She is Mother to 8 children (one of whom is my Mom) and Grandmother to... oh heck, I can't count that high. There are many great grandkids (5 being my own children), and quite a few great-greats. A full and thriving family tree is her legacy. We are varied and scattered and have more in common than blood. Some are children or grandchildren by marriage and name only, some by proximity only. We ALL are truly loved by Grandma, and every one of us love her back.

I've been lucky to live nearby most of my days. Others have been fortunate to enjoy extended visits in thier own homes far away. I've just taken it for granted that Grandma would always be here. She won't be. And that is hard to accept. She's always encouraged. Always celebrated our successes and achievements. Always cried for our pain and suffered loss alongside. How very fortunate I have been!

My Grandma has always been there. Right in the very house in which she lived when I was born. I wish I had visited more. I wish I had basked in her affection more. I wish I had said I love you more. I wish...

Grandma has lived a life of light. A full life. When you spend time with her you want to be a little warmer to those around you. A little more... loving, a little less judgemental. She has lived a life of faith. Faith in God. Faith in the better natures of all she encounters. Grandma has spread alot of light with her laughter, her smile, her pies & cakes (she spent time growing up in a bakery), but mostly through her incredible faith. I'm not in any way saying Grandma had an easy life; those are stories for another time; I am, however saying that Grandma CHOSE to spread Light and Joy and Love wherever she went to whomever she touched.

I love you Grandma!