Grandparents

September 3, 2024

According to my calendar, September 8 is Grandparents Day. Reading that suddenly brings me back to the homes of my grandparents in Northwest Iowa. They lived an hour’s drive away from our home in Southwest Minnesota.

My mom’s parents were generally homebound. We’d visit on a Sunday afternoon and often the afternoon worship service from their church was being sent by telephone wire to a special speaker in their house. Nothing interfered with that. We six kids could either sit still for that hour and a half in the living room. Or we could play on the porch. Very devout grandparents.

My dad’s parents were more active. We kids would take turns spending days at a time at their place in the summer. They had nice toys, we could help bake, we could ride bikes around the block. We even got to help mow the lawn. Many good memories.

We have six grandchildren of our own: three girls and three boys. Each one is unique and precious. Barb and I enjoy being with them. We try to attend their school activities, invite them over, and take them out individually for a birthday treat. We affirm each one and express our deep love for them. 

Grandparenting has changed over the years. Our own kids would see their grandparents intermittently, as we lived so far away from them. This is a common story today in a more transient society. Also, there may be a few step-grandparents, or grandparent figures, in children’s lives. This also can be healthy for children.

According to Proverbs 13:22, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” Obviously this involves more than finances and property. It includes sharing our faith, our values, our morals, our approach to life and people. So how can we be good grandparents today?

Here are some ideas:

1. Keep God at the center of your life. Maintain a robust relationship with Jesus Christ. Let it be shown by what you do and say. Perhaps take your grandchildren along to church. Ask them about their spiritual life. Whenever your grandchildren are around, they notice how you live and why you do what you do. God can use that to influence their faith walk.
2. Maintain a good relationship with your grandchildren’s parents. Even if they are not the birth parents. Talk respectfully to – and about – them. Follow the parents’ guidelines concerning what the grandchildren may or may not do. This consistency will instill security in the grandchildren and will foster a respectful attitude toward their parents and other adults.
3. Help develop your grandchildren’s character and values. Do activities with them. Have them work with you. Take an exploratory trip. Correct anything they say or do amiss. Model and teach how to live properly. Your grandchildren have an instinctive desire to please and emulate you.
4. Connect with them personally on a regular basis. If you’re not able to be together, maybe do Facetime or texting. This helps anchor them and gives them a solid footing in handling life.
5. Pray for them regularly. Ask God to protect them, give them wisdom, instill maturity in them, and work in their hearts to give them a living faith in Christ. Occasionally we will also pray for their future spouses.

So how should we celebrate Grandparents Day this Sunday? Perhaps connect or do something with our grandchildren. At least thank God for the influence our own grandparents may have had on our lives. And thank God for our own grandchildren, asking for guidance in this role.

I’d love to hear your memories of your grandparents. And I’d appreciate hearing your ideas on being a grand grandparent.

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