My Grandmother’s Earrings

My Grandmother’s Earrings

For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.

Hebrews 6:10

My paternal grandmother died when I was seven, and I inherited a pair of her clip-on costume-jewelry earrings. They were drop earrings, each one a soft-pink faceted bead the size of a grape, with just a glimmer of shimmery iridescence.

I did not know my Grandmother Brotzler well, and I regret that our lives did not overlap by more years so that I might have known and remembered her personally instead of relying solely upon the stories others told. She was a woman of substance, fun, faith, unending strength, and unconditional love.

I tucked those earrings away, and as I grew, I all but forgot them—until I met my friend Jenna for lunch. I immediately noticed her earrings; they were an exact replica (only pierced instead of clip-on) of mine. I admired her earrings, telling her about my Grandma Brotzler and how I inherited her earrings and had always felt beautiful when I wore them.

As I opened my front door the next morning on my way to work, a small package propped against the door fell inside and landed at my feet. Retrieving it, I found Jenna’s earrings and a little note of encouragement.

I cried at her thoughtfulness. I’ve intentionally worn those earrings on days and to events when I need just a little extra boost of self-confidence. They remind me of my grandmother, my heritage, and the generosity of a friend who believes in me. They have become a symbol of the woman I strive to be.

I’ve often watched as Jenna’s loving actions toward others beautifully reflect her faith in God. She makes taking care of others a central part of her daily life, and I know that God sees and does not forget how she cares for others, believers and nonbelievers alike.

—Julie

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Choose to do an act of kindness in which the sentimental value for the recipient far exceeds any financial value.