The Legacy of Lives Affected
Going to church one Sunday during college, I got a ride with an older couple. As I chatted, telling them about my family, I mentioned my grandfather.
“John Gration?” the man asked. “Is that your grandfather?”
“Yes,” I replied, wondering the reason for his question.
“Many years ago, we both lived in the same area. We’re good friends.”
I shouldn’t have been surprised. Perhaps it’s because of the circles I travel in, but I’m constantly running into people who know my grandfather – people he touched.
And he touched many people. Across his numerous professions – member of the navy at Camp Shoemaker, missionary in Kenya and Congo, professor at Wheaton College, and several others – he provides a clear example of what it means to live in service. As with many of my heroes, he’s an example of what it means to affect people.
I know because I am one of the affected.
***
i admire the rose
its magnificent bloom
with full attention
and can’t help but notice
its magnificent bloom
the beauty
the life
with full attention
attempting to comprehend
all the beauty that’s there
and can’t help but notice
that the rose looks back
with the same attention
One time when I was staying with my grandparents for a holiday, Grandpa asked me how computers worked. He was curious.
As we talked, I felt like I was the only other person in the room. He wasn’t distracted. He didn’t check his watch. He didn’t look around the room at the paintings. I had his full attention.
But his expression was not the only evidence of his attention. He participated in the conversation. He actively engaged what I said.
We talked back and forth. I explained a component. He asked a clarifying question. Step by step we approached understanding. And for all of my grandfather’s brilliance, he made me feel like an expert.
I felt valued. I felt honored.
A few months after I graduated from college, I was talking with my grandfather. He asked me how I was doing.
Surface answers didn’t satisfy him. I couldn’t get away with saying fine and moving on. He probed deeper.
I told him about the people I worked with. I described the work I was doing. I shared how I was enjoying the work. I told him about the opportunities I had to grow and learn.
Grandpa wanted to know what was going on in my life. And as I conveyed my excitement for what I was doing, he was excited with me. He joined me in my joy.
My grandfather wasn’t pretending. He wasn’t acting. He genuinely cared. He was interested in what I was saying. And it showed.
I’ve seen it in the countless times I’ve talked to him. I’ve seen it when he talks to others. He recognizes people. He celebrates who they are. For him, they are beautiful in their own right. Their humanity is reason enough to pay them respect.
When you give someone the gift of your attention, you make them feel valued. When you honor who they are, you affect them.
***
the rose always gives
a constant effort to add
blessing to people
Never subtracting, my grandfather adds to people. He seeks to leave the other person with more than they started with.
Sometimes he adds stories from the richness of his experience.
Talking over dinner one night, I shared about a situation at school. My grandfather, having a wealth of experiences to call upon, had a story of when he faced a similar situation. He began the story.
He told about an experience in the navy. That story reminded him of another one. He told about someone he knew from Kenya. Then he told about a recent conversation with a former student of his. The rabbit trail continued, and we never did circle back to the beginning. But that was OK.
It was OK because the stories were fascinating. And by the time he got to the end, I’d learned more than I bargained for.
Sometimes he meets a specific need.
Toward the end of my freshman year of college, I struggled to find a job for the summer. My wanting to work near Wheaton, where I have family, complicated matters. It was hard to search for a job in a city four hours’ drive from where I went to school.
My grandfather called upon his network at Wheaton College. He connected me with the paint department, and I got a job there. It was a perfect position.
Other times he provides guidance and advice.
As a high school senior, my first choice college was the University of Illinois. They had a top rated engineering program, and as a state resident, I’d have a lower tuition. I was all set.
Until I didn’t get in.
My grandfather helped me explore other options, compensating for our difficulty in doing research from Kenya. We examined taking a chance with the wait list, attending a satellite school, transferring after a few semesters, and attending another college. We eventually picked the latter option.
Throughout the whole process, I was struck by how he wanted the best for me – sometimes even more than I did. He wanted me to thrive.
Regardless of the need, he always goes over the top. His service is extravagant.
Occasionally, I stayed at my grandparents’ house. They made sure I had everything I needed and more – especially when it came to food. Grandpa always told me that if I went hungry at their house, it was my fault. He’d say that after offering me another piece of fruit, slice of bread, or bowl of cereal.
I never went hungry.
People remember when you help them. They remember that you put aside your agenda and offer them encouragement and assistance.
***
the rose reminds us
that there is much more to life
than seriousness
Our family often visited my grandparents for a meal. We enjoyed an evening of good food and conversation. After saying our goodbyes, we piled into the car to go home.
As we pulled out of the driveway, Grandpa ran alongside the car making funny faces in the window. Naturally, we returned the favor. The end result was laughter for everyone.
Affecting people is not always serious business. Remind people of the lightness and joy of life. Give them reason to laugh.
***
Although the rose may be a testament
To generosity so good and right
It ensures that it’s never overspent
By drawing water and basking in light
For all the attention and importance he placed on those around him, my grandfather never neglects to take care of himself.
He cares for his spiritual health. He spends time in prayer and meditation. He ponders and memorizes the scriptures.
He cares for his physical health. He eats well. He exercises as much as he’s able to.
He cares for his mental health. He reads books. He expands his knowledge.
He cares for his social health. He cherishes his wife and family. He connects with friends across the world.
If you are to affect others, be sure to give yourself a platform to stand on. Spending time on yourself ensures you have energy for others.
***
The smile brought about
by the fair rose’s beauty
gets passed to others
This past Thanksgiving, my entire extended family joined together for a meal. We traveled from across the globe to come together. Our celebrations testify to the legacy of my grandfather. Our love stands as a witness to the practices and habits he established. We are four generations of lives affected by his example.
***
Illness and old age may rob him of his physical strength, sharp mind, and sometimes even his memory, but I’ll always see the man that he is. I see him and remember how he affected others. I see him and remember how he affected me.
once to me a rose was given
a blessed sprig of bold and beauty
but now the rose is fading
an echo of its former splendor
a blessed sprig of bold and beauty
a touch of life and love and grace
for me and for others all around
but now the rose is fading
color dimmed by creeping brown
drooping low into a humble bow
an echo of its former splendor
but still i see it and remember
all the blessing that it is to me
###
PHOTO: Touch of a rose.
PS: Happy birthday, Mom.