By: Carissa Lovvorn
There is just something about going home to the family farm, the place where my grandfather was born and raised, where I spent summer weeks watching my grandmother make her famous homemade biscuits and peanut butter fudge, and where I worked side by side with my grandfather on home-building projects. My brothers, cousin, and I, filled with a sense of adventure, wandered the woods, returning only when the car horn blared to tell us it was time to leave. That log cabin, heated with an old wood-burning stove, holds many memories, especially around the holidays.
Ten years ago, we lost the patriarch of our family — my grandfather. We feel his absence each time we return to the farm. Memories of him are everywhere: in the tractor he loved to drive the grandchildren on, in the extra blocks of wood he added to support the rafters I couldn’t hold while helping to build the porch, in his rocking chair that overlooks the pond, and perhaps the most meaningful of all, in the absence of his prayer before meals.
On Thanksgiving, our family piled into the large gathering room. He added the addition with the hope that one day it would be full of family. His wish came true. To be honest, it’s now getting a little cramped and the family is not even done growing! My dad and uncle jokingly said to my grandmother, “Look at the mess you and dad created.”
Just as my grandfather entered this world on his own, later met my grandmother, and built the place we lovingly call home, he has now gone before us to another home, one prepared for all believers, where he waits patiently for our arrival. Jesus said, “…You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:1–3, NIV).
My grandfather knew with all his heart that our earthly home needed to be built on the Word of God. And while the log cabin may hold precious family heirlooms, he did not see fit to store up treasures on this earth. Instead, he poured the love of Christ into his family, setting an example of how to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. He declared, “…As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). He taught us how to be faithful servants, and I see his traits in each and every one of my family members.
I miss the days when my grandfather was here. His words were full of wisdom, his hands gently instructed us, and his embrace was warm and loving. Oh, to go back and receive one last hug! However, I have hope that I will see him again, because our true family “home” is not built with logs, a stone foundation, and a metal roof. It’s in paradise with our Heavenly Father and fellow believers. A place we can all call home.
Blessings,
Carissa Lovvorn
