A Labor Day Tribute

We said good-bye to a friend and neighbor this weekend.

As I sat in her memorial service and watched slide after slide of her life flash by on the screen and listened to friends and family share stories – I remembered again why I respected Kathy so much.

She did the right thing – even when it was hard.

Years ago she saw that her only granddaughter was in an abusive situation and she stepped in.

She voluntarily took on a very needy 3 year old and loved her.

While other ladies her age were taking trips – she was potty training.

While others had extra spending money – Kathy was paying for new shoes, new glasses and new clothes.

While others enjoyed Bingo and club meetings – she was helping with 4H projects and figuring out how to home school.

She took that little girl from a neglected toddler, through childhood, adolescence and the teen years.

She invested her time, her resources, her life into that young child.

I saw that little girl at the service. Becky is now in her twenties and finishing up college – a poised, mature and beautiful young lady with a strong faith,  her grandma’s big smile, her love of life and that same mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Kathy invested her life in what was most important and the dividends are eternal.

It makes me wonder if I’m that willing to do the hard thing?  I want to labor for the Lord – but am I willing to get my hands dirty? Am I willing to give up my time? My home? My money? My plans?

I’d like to honor Kathy’s memory this Labor Day.

Her task was not easy, but she was faithful and her work was not in vain.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58