Last week, at the baby shower I met a woman that I cannot stop thinking about.
When I walked up to her and said, "Hello. My name is Kellie", her formal reply surprised me:
"I am Mrs. Delansky**, nice to meet you."
I thought it was funny that she introduced herself by her last name.
Now, I would never embarrass myself by trying to guess what this beautiful woman's age was, but since she will be the great-grandmother to the baby about to be born, its safe to say that she's far more wise than my thirty (and six) years.
To start the shower I found an ice breaker that would help us to get to know each other a little better.
I asked each guest to take a small scoop of M&M's, and then explained that they had to give as many facts about themselves as they had candies in their hand.
After most of the women in the room had talked about themselves it was Mrs. Delansky's turn.
She said something that went like this, "I am Mrs. Sally Delansky. I had the pleasure of being married to Mr. Delansky for 53 years, 4 months, 3 days, and 6 hours. The Lord brought us through the very best of times, and he brought us through the very worst of times. God is so very faithful. And that is what I want you to know."
Her words were so sincere that I had could not keep from weeping. I quickly wiped my leaky eyes and tried to move on. After all we had a party to run...
But I have not stopped thinking about her words.
Mrs. Delansky did not introduced herself to me by her last name to be formal.
She did it because she loves to honor her husband. Even after death.
She did it because she loves to honor God. She knows that He is in control.
She did it because she knows God's love is real. And tangible. And more than enough.
I was so grateful for Mrs. Delansky because there is so much going on the the world today that could make us feel forgotten, or bitter, or lonely, or frightened...but her words remind me to hold on to Truth, and to express gratitude for all in life that's good. Even when the good is hard to see.
Mrs. Delansky most likely has no idea how her forty-five second introduction revealed such true and profound wisdom, but it makes me want to spend the rest of my life loving my God, and loving my man, because life will be made richer for it. Not just for me, but for those who live around me.
**Name has been changed since I didn't exactly ask Mrs. D if I could write about her!
19 comments:
This is such a great story! Mrs. D. sounds like a wonderful woman and sister in Christ! I hope to do the same.. honoring God and my husband more.
I agree - what a lovely story.
Old people are just the best aren't they? They aren't distracted by things like clothes, cell phones, bills to pay. They just tell it like it is. They cut right to the heart of all that matters in a way that makes it all seem so simple. They have such valuable lessons to teach. So glad you shared this one today!
What a sweet story. Makes you stop and think about things, doesn't it?
Wow your post brought tears to my eyes. What a good Christian example that Mrs D is.
What a precious story. I didn't think that was the direction you were going when I read the first few lines. What a great way to honor your husband and your life together. Love this.
What a sweet and wonderful tribute to my "grandmother-in-law." She truly is a godly woman and such a great example of true love and faithfulness to us all. Thank you, Kellie.
This is just so sweet, endearing, and honorable, isn't it!? I bet she'd like it that you saw it that way!!
What a sweet, wonderful story! She sounds like a great woman with tons of wisdom to pass on.
Thank you for this story today. I have had a very heartbreaking afternoon. If I were to introduce myself tonight to someone I would say that I am the very blessed wife of one Mr. M who loves me with a fierce and unwavering love. He is my protector and provider in every sense of the word. I am very proud and blessed to stand under his name for the last 11 years, and 6 days, exactly.. Thank you for the opportunity to share that right now!
I'm going to be savoring this story for days. I like Mrs. D.
What a touching story -- it gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes, too! Absolutely beautiful.
Beautiful, Kellie!
I have leaky eyes myself after reading this! She put it so simply yet so beautifully...and those few words summed it all up. And now I want to run and give my hubby a big hug. :)
LOVE this story. Wow - it is so incredibly timely.
I am so glad you shared it!
That is a beautiful story, Kellie. I'm so glad you shared it.
You must excuse me now because my eyes are a little leaky too.
Beautiful.
Lovely story. That sort of encounter makes a deep impression on me...I adore elderly people.
Kathy @ www.restorationplace.net
My name is Mrs. Hanna, and I have the best husband ever. He doesn't walk with Christ at this point. But he will.
What a dear post.
A little late to the party with this comment - but thanks so much for sharing a simple, yet power story that really encouraged me in my marriage tonight. Thanks!
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