Mammy’s Chair - Martin Wiles

"Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) John 6:10 NLT

I’m sure if the old chair could talk, it could tell many stories. But then, maybe it can.

My great-grandmother—Mammy we called her—lived with my paternal grandparents. My grandfather supported her as if she were his own mother.

Mammy occupied the first bedroom on the right after entering the front door of my grandparents’ home. Her room was large enough to house her double bed, a full set of bedroom furniture, a cedar chest, a small iron bed that belonged to me—one Mom had painted black and decorated with army man stickers—and, of course, a chair.

Mammy wasn’t an invalid, but I remember her spending a great deal of time in her bedroom. Since I loved talking with her, I spent a lot of time there too. And my favorite place to sit—and the only place I ever sat—was in the small wooden chair nestled at the foot of her bed.

I still have the chair. It’s nothing fancy. Plain wood. Painted brown. Thin cushions covered by multi-colored cloth—probably sewn by Mammy herself. When my grandmother asked if I wanted the chair, there was no other answer than, “Yes.”

Jesus often sat to teach. That’s what rabbis did. On this occasion, He asked others to sit also—for a meal . . . for a miracle. Then He took five loaves of bread and two fish and fed 5,000 men, along with women and children. When the people realized what He’d done, they proclaimed Him the long-awaited Messiah.

As I sat in Mammy’s chair, facing her, I too observed important things. Almost always, a large Bible with a black cover lay open on the bed next to her or either rested in her hands. Along with the chair, I have the Bible. Seeing how important the Bible was for Mammy at an early age made an impression on me. I’ve attempted to make it equally important in mine.

Although Mammy could get around just fine, she rested on the bed a great deal of the time. As I sat and talked with her, her resting reminded me of the importance of rest. I can’t do everything—and I’ll fail or burn out if I try. All I need to do is what God wants me to do.

Take regular time to sit. When you do, God will teach you vital life lessons.

Tweetable: Whose feet are you resting at?

Prayer: Father, guide us to those places where we can clearly hear Your Spirit speak to ours. 

Looking for a wide selection of genres in inspirational books at discount prices? Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's Word.