I wish I had taken the time

As I was listening to the two pastor's speak about Mrs. Grisham last night at her funeral, I couldn't help but notice an underlying theme, and that was faithfulness. It was recounted of how she had been faithful to her husband, her family, her friends, her church, but most of all to her Lord.


So many things were said about Mrs. Grisham during the course of the night. Her former pastor, Jerry Copeland, had known her for 20-years. He was able to share stories of how she had taught his children in Sunday school and how they had grew up to be Sunday school teachers themselves. He shared of how she wasn't into material things like most people but rather was more interested in the things of the Lord. I wish I had known her like he did.

Then, our pastor, Dave Hutchison, stood and talked about his many visits to her home and to the hospital, where he got to know her. He spoke of how he always felt welcome when he went to visit her and how she always turned the conversation to Jesus or the church. It was said more than once of how she worried about other people more than she did herself. Although pastor Dave had only known her for about 2-years, he took the time to get to know her. He visited her faithfully and there wasn't a service or prayer meeting that he didn't mention her in prayer. I wish I had known her like he did.

I can't say that I knew Mrs. Grisham as well as her two pastors did. Of course I knew of her faithfulness because if she wasn't sick, she was at church. Not just Sunday mornings either, she was there Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, and any additional service we would have. There was no doubt she was one of the most faithful members we had. I should have taken more time to get to know her. I have only been a member of Highland for 3-years but that's no excuse. Oh sure, I would see her at every service, shake her hand, smile, ask how she was doing, etc.. but that's about as far as it went. Most of it is my fault because I normally don't make small talk with people. I don't like to be bothersome to folks. I always assume if someone wants to talk to me that they will invoke a conversation. But, what if everyone was just like me? If they were, then no one would ever get to know anybody. We would all just be standing around waiting for the other person to strike up a conversation. There are only a few of the old-time Saints left at our church. I've gotten to know some of them pretty well but not near as well as I should.  I intend to work on that flaw in my personality. I'm praying that God will show me how.

Sympathy Extended

Frances Jean Frost Grisham, age 79 of Knoxville, went to be with the Lord Sunday, January 3, 2010. She was a member of Highland Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher for over 50 years. Survived by her husband of 62 years, Clifford W. Grisham; daughters, Debbie Cash and Laura Parker; granddaughters, Tara Cash and Melissa Karnes and husband Tony; great granddaughters, Illiana and Nora Karnes; several extended family members. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 8 pm in the Halls Chapel of Mynatt Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Copeland and Rev. David Hutchison officiating. Family and friends will meet Wednesday at 10:45am at Greenwood Cemetery for interment at 11am. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 pm at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, 4131 East Emory Road; Knoxville, TN 37938.