Handed Down

My grandpa, Papa, as I know him is a man of faith. He is also a man who believes in the value of sharing his faith and handing it down to the others in his life. More and more I have appreciated the opportunity to know him and listen to him as I have gotten older.
At Easter, family was piled around and with children running (wild?) I had a short conversation with Papa about my faith questions and the topic of this blog. Two things have remained with me that he shared. Number one, I have not lived as long as he has. Let me expand and interpret. (Pops, you will have to comment and correct me if I have not understood your meaning) What I heard him saying was that there is an understanding of God and the greater good and His plan in it that comes from years spent here. It comes from living through true hardships and true losses. Possibly even the sadness and grief I fear the most may someday bring my heart maturity in these questions.
And to follow this was the second thought he shared with me which was Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It was his dad (my great-grandpa's) favorite verse. My great-grandpa who lived through a lot, survived hardships that I've only read about. Who according to Papa always always believed that whatever was happening on Earth, God always had his good in mind.

I probably haven't interpreted Papa's words to me exactly as he intended. I'm certain he would expand  upon them if he were sitting here now and I'd welcome it. Having spiritual questions is a worthwhile endeavor, I just think its a good thing to have a little humility while you do it. To remember that you are not the first to have questions, and you won't be the first to find answers. I'm thinking that perhaps a notecard of Romans 8:28 might do some good taped next to my kitchen sink.