Here’s What I Want You To Know…

…About Grandchildren

 There’s something about grandchildren, something hard to express in mere words. And when, blessed beyond measure, you hold in your arms a great-grandchild, the heart can barely contain the joy and wonder of God’s goodness.

I look into their eyes and see the future for generations to come. I have played my part. I have loved children and then grandchildren and now these babies of my baby’s babies’ babies. Breathtaking wonder.

My journey is nearing its final destination, but I am privileged to see theirs just beginning. Long after my departure they will remain living and loving, should our Lord tarry. I can know them in the now. I will always have time for their elaborate and fanciful stories. I will enter into their childish games and share this time together in play. We will take walks and talk of ever so many things. I will teach them things I know and they will ask questions of me. I will tell them repeatedly (as in the movie, The Help), you are strong, you are good, you are beautiful, you are kind, you are smart. We will have adventures together, trips and zoos and museums and days on the lake. We will blow bubbles and toss balloons in the air. I will teach them to swim and we will ride bikes together. I will always be on their side.

Once long ago my great grandmother watched over me in the house under whose roof three generations lived together. The farm was how my family made their living and while the other adults worked in the fields, Granny took care of me. My mother told me Granny never thought I did anything wrong. She read to me and sang over me. My mother and grandmother would have to take me aside to discipline me, for Granny could not stand it. She used to say, “If you spank your child, I just may spank mine!”

My memories of Granny are dim. I was but a child when she died. What I do remember is being loved. She was always kind and gentle. I cannot recall her ever having raised her voice to me. That love has sustained me. I knew I was accepted and protected and she would provide anything I needed, especially her devoted attention.

Then there came a time when I had the opportunity to be that person in the life of my own great-grandchild. I felt life had come full circle. I got to be “Granny.” It involved some sacrifice—some lasting changes had to be made—but it seemed to me to be the thing I must do. I have never regretted it.

This is what I want you to know about grandchildren: They are God’s gift to you. Pour into them all the love you can, say yes as much as possible, give them your full attention. Their parents have the duty of disciplining and training them up in the nurture of the Lord, but your job is to love, to give, to comfort, to encourage, to speak truth and share your faith in practical application to their young hearts. When you are gone, may they remember the one who loved them and never thought they did anything wrong!

“Children’s children are the crown of old men (women); and the glory of children is their father” (Proverbs 17:6).

“Tell your children about it. Let your children tell their children, and their children another generation” (Joel 1:3).

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…” (Proverbs 13:22).

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13).