The Joy of Giving: Aunt Joy’s Legacy

There are some people in this world who don’t just live their lives, they pour them out to others. Aunt Joy is one of those people. You could say she is the “Joy” of giving!

You may know that the name “Home with Grace and Joy” is based on the legacy of my grandmother Grace and my mom Joy. Today I want to talk about another Joy in my life, and that is my aunt, (Grace’s daughter). I have mentioned her before when I shared her stuffed jalapeno recipe, but now I want to tell you WHO she is.

When I think of her, one phrase comes to mind over and over again:

The “Joy” of giving

She isn’t known for just giving things, but also for giving her time, love, attention, and care freely to everyone around her.

For as long as I can remember, her life has been all about serving others in quiet ways that leave a lasting impression. These are not loud or showy displays at all. In fact, most of them are done behind the scenes.

And now, in her late 80s, that hasn’t changed one bit.

Summers that Felt Like Home

When we were growing up, my sister and I would go stay with Aunt Joy for a week during the summer. Those were great experiences that still hold special memories.

We lived in the city at the time, so a week in the country was a summer blessing!

She cooked home-cooked meals that I can almost smell right now. Fresh vegetables came straight from her garden, and everything was made with love. Her home was the kind of place that made you feel very welcomed.

The Joy of Love

When we got married many years ago, Aunt Joy didn’t just show up to see us get married, she showed up with love and service. I’ve never forgotten.

While the professional photographer was taking what seemed to be a million pictures, she stood right behind them, taking the same pictures so we would have everything. This was one of the many ways she was sharing the love!

She also gave us our “First Christmas Together” ornament. It was something so simple, but it meant so much to us. It wasn’t just a random gift, it has been a reminder of a special time in our lives. I think about her every year when I put that ornament on the Christmas tree.

Knowing how special that little ornament has been in our lives made an impression on me. Many times I try to find “Our First Christmas” ornaments for bridal showers and newlyweds.

She’s been doing this kind of thing for people as long as I have known her.

The Joy of Serving

For years, Aunt Joy worked at an elementary school. At one time she was in the cafeteria, and later she was in the classroom to help the teachers. I have heard teachers talk about the impact she made in those rooms. She made an impact in more lives than she probably even realizes.

When that chapter of her life ended, she didn’t slow down, she simply found another way to serve. She volunteered at a non-profit store and food bank, continuing to give her time and energy to people in need.

We again were blessed through this as well. She would constantly get something for us or keep watch for items she knew we were wanting and then let us know to come shop. It was like we had our own personal shopper/watcher. She probably didn’t have a clue what a service that was!

The Joy of Thoughtfulness

A few years ago, she gave me something I never expected to see again. My old Mrs. Beasley doll!

We had sold it years ago in a garage sale when I was little, and I thought it was gone forever. I had no idea that she had quietly bought it and held onto it all those years, just to give it back to me one day. Are you kidding me??? You cannot teach that kind of thoughtfulness!

And even now, she still thinks of me in the sweetest ways.

When my grandmother Grace was living, she always called me when certain country music performers or shows were on TV. I casually mentioned this to my aunt one day in conversation.

It was shortly after that Aunt Joy started calling me when a country music show was on TV, just in case I wanted to watch it. She also calls my parents and sister. There are probably others on her list as well.

That may seem like a small thing, but it’s not. It is a lot of thoughtfulness!

Ministry That Meant More Than I Ever Knew

One of the most meaningful things she does is something I didn’t fully understand until it affected me personally.

Every quarter, she and her granddaughter go to the family graves and place flowers at each one. For years, this was just something she did.

After I lost my son, that act of ministry became something entirely different to me. To walk up and see flowers placed at the foot of his grave and to know someone had been there meant so much!

What once seemed like a such a simple act became a great ministry, and she has been doing that for our family (quietly) for years.

Still Giving and Loving

Today, Aunt Joy and her siblings (my dad and their brother Johnny) are all in their 80s, and they are still very close. I have actually never seen anything like it!

All three of them:

• Talk almost every day.
• Visit each other.
• Share vegetables from their gardens.
• Stay connected.

And they are all thoughtful and loving.

A Life That Reflects Scripture

When I think about Aunt Joy, I can’t help but think of this verse:

This Scripture is often read and admired, but every now and then, you meet someone who is actually living it out right in front of you.

Aunt Joy’s life has been filled with love, kindness, and thoughtfulness for the people around her.

She has spent her years:

• caring for children,
• feeding others from her table,
• serving quietly in schools and in the community,
• remembering what matters to the people she loves,
• and honoring those who have already gone.

She doesn’t do it for recognition or praise, but just because that is who she is.

A Legacy That Will Live On

There are so many more stories I could tell. There have been so many ways that she has blessed many people over the years. I would love to hear those stories as well!

We went to visit her the other day, and when we left, Jay and I talked about the fact that she had no idea how many people she had blessed in her lifetime. There is no way to count.

All I can say is that Aunt Joy has lived a life where the “Joy” of giving has been on display in quiet and behind the scenes types of ways.

That is a life that leaves a legacy for many generations.

A Final Thought

Unfortunately, this type of giving and thoughtfulness doesn’t always come naturally for me! As I have put all of this together, it really makes me want to do better. I guess that is that legacy piece!

If you have someone like this in your life, take the time to tell their story – honor them and learn from them.

May we all find the Joy in giving, loving, serving, and in thoughtfulness.

P.S. Not long after this post was published, my sweet aunt went to be with the Lord. One of the hymns for the funeral was Sweet Hour of Prayer.

Although the funeral home did not play the version with the last verse, I could still find hope in the song. Read the special message of hope and peace that song gives us as believers.

Related Posts

Is It Possible to Grieve with Grace and Joy
Time Lessons: Like Sands Through the Hourglass
Blessings Beyond the Rut
Fresh Jalapenos Stuffed with Cream Cheese Filling (Aunt Joy’s Recipe)

Until next time,

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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19