NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

April 23

A series of collaborative works with my mother-in-law, who died three weeks ago…

Scripture focus: How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin? But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. Micah 6:6-8 The Message

Compassion and loyalty are killer combinations. When Marion was a young widow, she was hired by an orthodontist in need of her accounting and organizational skills. She spent many years in that office. It was a place that became another home. She loved both doctors she worked for and they treated her like a queen – which she didn’t mind one bit. I can’t tell you all the wonderful things they did for her over the years – there were simply too many. But their generosity and care for her enabled her to live financially comfortably and with a sense of purpose. It also gave her a wide open space to share her love.

After years of adjustments to single life, it was with great anticipation that she awaited the birth of her first grandchild. Of course, according to Nana, Meredith was perfect. And she proved it by whipping out the baby pictures for all to see. Reports would float back to Pete and me, “Hey, took John to the orthodontist today; saw more pictures of Meredith. I swear, I know more about your kid than my own grandchild!” It was all in good humor, and we assumed that Nana showed off her collection to friends of the family who happened to go to her office. We were mistaken.

Meredith was about six months old when I ventured across town to shop at a department store that I rarely visited. I certainly didn’t expect to see anyone I knew, but there was no question about it – certainly my baby didn’t know anyone on the West End of town. The clerk began ringing up my purchase. I had never seen this woman in my life. Meredith stirred in her stroller and the clerk glanced down. “Oh my goodness! Is this Meredith? I’d recognize her anywhere.”

“Really? How so?” She’s starting to freak me out and I’m considering backing out of the store and running for the car. I was a first time parent, prone to paranoia.

“My daughter has braces.” Well, ok then. That explains it.

Nana was always loyal in her love. Friend, family, co-worker – whoever, if you made it onto her radar, she would love you and share her love for you with others. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed the fruit of her love. We’ve shared meals, stories, sorrows and heartache with people who would have stayed strangers if it weren’t for Marion connecting people to each other. This has enriched our family, deepened our sense of community and connection – and taught us things we wouldn’t have learned within the cocoon of “us.” We also know the name of a really great orthodontist if your kids need braces.



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