Since becoming a grandparent several years ago, I’ve had a running joke with my children—if I’d known how much fun grandkids are, I would have skipped over having my kids! Kidding aside, raising children is indeed a privilege, joy, and blessing from God. However, it is a blessing in the trenches, a joy in a weed–filled garden, and a privilege with deep personal sacrifice and struggle.
It has been said that God has no grandchildren. Those of every generation need to be brought to a knowledge of their Savior and thus become the children of God. Parents are instructed to raise their children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord,” (Ephesians 6:4 ESV) as well as to provide for education, upkeep, and maintenance. It is warranted that grandparents keep in mind this is the responsibility of the parents. Although advice and counsel can and should be given, it is the parents that must make the final decisions for the children, as they are the ones who will be answerable to God.
It is no secret that in family life, time, talent, treasure, and patience can be stretched to the breaking point. Since most grandparents are relieved of the daily grind of disciplining and raising their offspring’s progeny, this frees up the older generation to focus on other aspects of the children’s development. Oldsters should take inventory of their talents and hobbies and consider what fits best for their family situation. Perhaps you could read to your offspring the things you enjoyed and thought worthwhile. Teach them a “new” game or activity from your childhood. Sharing your interests and family lore can give your youngsters roots in the things your family has deemed important over the years. Also, be sure to take an interest in what your grandkids are doing; encourage their sports, hobbies, and activities. Listen to them read and allow them to tell you what they think is important to them. Taking such interest in the lives of the grands can give them the confidence to take wing with other new pursuits. I don’t remember many of the gifts my grandparents gave to me, but I do remember berry picking, family get–togethers around lots of food, grandpa’s jokes, grandma’s hugs, and their love for their Savior and for me.
Above all, be sure to share the truths of God’s Word. It is not blood, or marriage, or genealogical background that truly makes us family; but rather our common faith in Christ. As alluded to earlier, no one is born into God’s family. By nature, we are all lost and condemned sinners. When brought into the kingdom of Christ through Baptism, that faith needs nurturing and guiding. The Lord commanded parents, “You shall teach them [God’s words] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV) This applies to grandparents as well. Tell your grandchildren how the Lord has blessed you throughout your life, in good times and bad. Remind them of the wonderful blessings we share in the love of a forgiving Savior.
Obviously, strength and energy begin to wane as we grow older. Time seems to slip away ever more quickly. However, our God promises strength for the day to accomplish what He intends. “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” (Psalm 71:17-18 ESV)
is a retired teacher. He lives in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.