“Train up a child in the way he should go: even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” 

- Proverbs 22:6

This Bible verse always makes me think of my grandmother. I have so many wonderful memories with her and was fortunate that my family lived nearby while I was growing up. 

Mamaw was a Christian. I remember her sitting in her favorite rocker after lunch quietly reading her Bible and going over her prayer list. This was more than a habit for her. It was an extension of who she was as a woman. It came as naturally to her as breathing. Her most valuable lessons I learned by example because I was always watching her. 

After I married and moved away, I knew I was never farther away than her heart and prayers. I looked forward to receiving weekly letters from her, which were always signed, “Be my sweet Christian girl. Love and prayers, Mamaw.” 

Many times, when I had a decision to make, I would think of her and ask, “What would Mamaw tell me was best?” In every decision, she put God first. 

Mamaw lived her life by the Golden Rule. Nearly everyone in our small community knew her. The local hospital and funeral home would call her if they needed someone to just sit quietly with a patient or family. So far as I know, she never said no and wouldn’t accept payment for her services. She really made a difference in this world with her kind and loving heart.

Mamaw had a tremendous influence on my life and made me the woman I am today. By quiet example rather than loud words, she influenced not only my life but countless others. It wasn’t what Mamaw said but how she lived that was her greatest influence. The greatest honor I could have is for someone to say that I’m a lot like she was.

As Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” 

If you are a grandparent, parent, teacher, relative or neighbor to a child of any age, never forget there are eyes watching you. It’s important we love and teach by example.

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