Mildred Timmerman, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother said goodbye to this mortal world earlier this week, and is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We who knew her were blessed for the time we shared with her here, and she left an indelible impression on so many who had the privilege of spending time with this wonderful lady. What did she have that caused her to live the way she did? From what source did she draw for her seemingly infinite patience, love, and wisdom?
She Lit Up the Room
Grandma Millie was a person who instantly lit up a room simply by walking into it. Her face was ever-smiling and her disposition ever-encouraging. At the same time, she was a woman who stood for something. I can remember times when grandma would catch word that I my grades were falling in one class or another, and she would react in such a way as to indicate she knew I was capable of better. She knew it was wrong of me to misuse my gifts, but she didn’t seek to motivate me through guilt or nagging. She simply exuded wordlessly: “Chris, you were created by God for a purpose. He has given you a great many blessings, and you ought to be developing and using them in serving Him.”
When I did well, grandma was lavish with praise. She appreciated the important things in life—time with family, the love we show to each other and importance of nurturing unity. She would always brush away the peripheral and unimportant matters that brought conflict, and without being forceful, her words carried weight.
A Living Demonstration of Real Love
The more I think of the person grandma Millie was, the more I appreciate her and the more I realize how incredible a model of godliness she really was. I can think of no better way to express it than by quoting her Lord, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). Millie truly lived this way—she loved people, really loved them well, and brightened their lives when she was around them. At the same time, she stood for truth and devoted her life to her Lord and Savior. She would build relationships, deep and meaningful relationships with people around her, and in those moments when our ears were open to her advice, she would speak the truth into our lives.
Millie’s Source
Oh that we each would learn from this godly woman’s example and follow her path. She was loving and good because she followed One who is the source of all love and goodness. She wasn’t perfect, and she is righteous not because of her own morality but because her sin has been washed clean. Christ died for sinners, among whom Millie was one; when He died on the cross He willingly took the punishment she deserved. Jesus was without sin, and his suffering atoned for all those who place their faith in Him. His resurrection on the third day demonstrates his dominion over death, and it is in His power that we rest and know that death has not overcome Mildred Timmerman. Through her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Grandma Millie is righteous and without spot or blemish. Her mortal hindrances are now no more, and she stands in the presence of the Lord Jesus right now, in this very moment! We await with joy the day that we too will leave this mortal body of death and join Millie in the throne room of Jesus, to worship Him forever beside her! Will you be there too?
Turn and Follow
Jesus calls any who will come to draw near to Him in faith and find cleansing. Give up on living your own way and for yourself—do as Millie has done and turn from your own path, turn to His path. He will take you as you are and give you a new nature, a nature like His, and you, like Millie, will begin to grow more like Him each day. The Savior is calling, come to Him today!