My Grandpa’s Best Advice

Antique Royal typewriter photo by Elise Anthony

If ever a song could sum up some of the last words I’d want to say to my son in a hurry, it’s Humble and Kind, which most of you probably heard Tim McGraw sing.

Driving to work Friday, I heard Christian artist Matthew West cover the same song, and the emotion in his voice just wrecked me when I heard this:

Go to church ’cause your mamma says to

Visit grandpa every chance that you can

It won’t be wasted time

Always stay humble and kind

— From the lyrics of Humble and Kind, by Grammy-winning songwriter Lori McKenna

Music has the power to time-travel you back to meaningful moments, and right then, my Grandpa and I were sitting on a white porch swing, near San Luis Pass on Galveston Island.

We were talking about family, his childhood, and my plans after college, and in general just enjoying the sight and sound of the surf.

He told me to stay humble and he always modeled kindness and joy.

I visited him every chance I could, and when our time got small and he bravely fought colon cancer, I changed my plans and priories to visit him as much as I could. He always had something encouraging to share and wise words, but this moment stands out.

We also shared our faith — he baptized me, and I’ll always remember that moment too.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

I hope you have someone who inspires you like this too. ❤️

— Elise