Sheltering our Grandblessings

What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance.  They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life.  And, most importantly, [chocolate milk]. 
                                                                                ~Rudolph Giuliani

Children are the crown of the aged.  (Proverbs 17:6)

As grandparents, we are in a unique position to make a difference in the lives of our grandblessings. Paul spoke to Timothy about the influence his Grandmother Lois had on his life.  That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! (1 Timothy 1:5).  Faith handed down.  Don't you love that!  We touch the hearts of our grandchildren by handing down the faith.

Pawpaw Kuhn

Mawmaw Kuhn

I've heard it said that when there are more Godly grandmothers, there will be more young men like Timothy.  I have three grandsons -- Ethan, Landon and Camron.  God has something special for their lives.  But unless I am faithful in prayer, living an authentic life, and reflecting the joy of the Lord, they will miss a positive influence in their lives.  

Sarah Morgan is our princess.  I know it is her Mama's desire for her to grow into a Daughter of the King as she teaches her femininity, modesty and finding the sacred in daily life; Nana and I will also have opportunities to influence her in these ways.



PawPaw Clemens

Nana Clemens

I'm thankful I don't have the whole responsibility for this influence.  Pawpaw Kuhn and Pawpaw Clemens share that responsibility.  I'm thankful they live Godly lives.  Pawpaw Clemens is the one who opens the Word and offers it to my grandchildren every Sunday.  Nana teaches them the stories of the Bible in Children's Church each Sunday. 

Sharing grandparents is a great thing for kids, but, unfortunately, I've seen some engage in struggling matches about which grandparent is the favorite.  The kids end up being pulled in opposite directions, and are forced to be unkind or even disrespectful. If you are a grandparent, nurture your grandkids' relationship with the other set of grandparents. 

Another way we bless our grandchildren is by providing products for their  parents that gives them wisdom as they raise their children.  Shawn's mother gave Shawn and Melanie Train Up A Child by Michael and Debi Pearl;  they also publish an excellent free magazine on training children (subscribe on their blog).  I recently purchased Growing Grateful Kids by Sue Larson.  Melanie has benefited from it, and has already purchased a copy for a friend.

Lastly, ask to spend time with your grandchildren so the parents can have a date or an overnight anniversary trip.  When you encourage alone time for parents, your grandchildren always reap the benefits of happy-in-love parents.

If you, like me, like to gain wisdom from others on the subject, read The Power of Godly Grandparents by Stephen and Janet Bly. I put The Grandmother's Bible on my wish list.  You can even purchase it in hardback, large print and Kindle.  I know true wisdom comes from God -- through His Word. After all, if grandchildren are the crown of old age, I want to do all I can to keep the jewels shining bright.

        

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