Today I am going to share a part of my Grandma’s life story. I was privileged to have the opportunity to write a brief biography of her life as a school project and hospitality was one of her outstanding traits.
_
If only a house could keep a journal of the many people who filled it! “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” Pr. 34:20 Grandma truly did that. Her home has served hundreds of people lodging and a wonderful meal. Grandpa was a deacon, and both he and Grandma took literally the Bible verse which says to “Be given to hospitality.” They both have burdened hearts for the needy people around them and cared for them with many Bible studies and hearty meals. It was not uncommon for Grandma to put supper on the table three times in one evening! Any hungry or needy person who walked through the door was welcomed. One friend said that Grandma would lay out a whole meal if a snack was needed!
My Grandma, Jean Frey, was born on August 26, 1952 in Hanover, Pa. into a farming family of five girls. In her childhood there were a lot of people that her family interacted with. Visitors were often there for Sunday lunch. Grandma’s boyless dad needed help some summers, so they would hire town boys to help. For a couple of summers they also hosted Fresh Air Girls. Things like this acquainted her with how to entertain people.
On October 30, 1971, Grandma married Paul Miller and another godly home was started. They have nine children in which my mom is number three. According to my mom, their home was frequented by many people and rarely was there an empty Sunday afternoon or evening. A friend said that Grandma was always ready to spread her love and energy to help better others. She is likewise loved “like a mom” to many. Grandma had a passion for the nearby city children and she ended up starting Peace Ministries. Several of Grandma’s friends say that they feel like my Grandma’s goals for life were to honor God by being a faithful Christian and to live a life that would be an example to her children. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight O Lord, my strength and and my redeemer.” Ps. 19:14 This is one of her favorite verses and I think she did a good job of living it out. “She is always a friend you can count on” was something said about her.
Grandma gave her all to God, her children and everyone around her. Only heaven will reveal the number of meals prepared and the lives touched. It is a reminder to me to give of myself to others, whether it be a meal, time or anything else. Grandma will always be known for her open door and it is a trait I want to try and mirror in my own life as I grow up. Thank you Grandma!
_
Soon after I wrote this, Grandma was diagnosed with cancer. Even in the last months and weeks of her life she continued to have her house full of visitors; those who had been touched by her in some way. At her funeral someone likened her to the Bible character of Martha in the story of Mary and Martha in Luke. She was such a servant and always busy with that. But she became a Mary when she was confined in her house with cancer. She continued to minster spiritually even though she could not physically any more. We can tend to think of Martha in the wrong because of that story, but the gift she had of being a servant is certainly a God given gift and and one that glorifies God when we keep it in perspective of what is most important at that time. The Bible clearly commands us give of ourselves to others and be a servant like He was. My challenge to all of us is to remember to be servants and not be scared to serve the people around us even if we don’t feel very good at it!
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundations of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matthew 25:34-36
Words by: Daisy
pursuingourpurpose.com 