Grandparents' Day

The auditorium was full and each of us were there to support our little friends who invited us to see their school, meet their teachers and friends and have a first hand view of their classroom. It was Grandparents Day and we were invited by Blake, our oldest grandson to join him for a morning full of activities and an open house. There is something special about having a first hand view of where he hangs out, who he hangs out with and what he does in his school day. It just makes us a more active part of his world.

I looked around that auditorium and their were grandparents and grand friends of all ages but each person who was there was there to be an active support of one of the students. It was such a reminder of a spot that we as grandparents have in the lives of our grandchildren.We represent a generation that differs from one of a parent or a peer.

I am convinced that these gray hairs are a symbol of tenacity. We have made it this far raising children, now we can enjoy the next lap with our
children's children. As Mel and I sat there in chapel singing the songs and listening to the priest, I couldn't help but watch my little Blake. We flanked him and he was proud to be hugged, and loved and have the attention that comes from being doted over on a special occasion. He was proud to show us his room and the different areas for learning, the games they played and the couch that they sat on to read books. This was his world and this was his chance to boldly and confidently share it. That is the deal with being a grandparent, the children want you to share their world and know their friends, and be familiar with their routine. The more you are acquainted with their world, the more input they will allow you to have and the more common things you have to talk over, thus establishing a relationship that
is strengthened in depth and purpose.

God has blessed us with an opportunity as grandparents to be supportive, creative, loving, non threatening, non critical partners in the lives of these children. We are to be an example of how God wants us to act, how he wants us to serve and the standards that he wants us to live by. As parents, we were forced into a rules, routine and lets get going mode. As grandparents we have the time to invest in stories, and adventures and just hanging out. That is where relationships are built and the bonds of love, hope and security are embraced. They learn from our examples just as we have learned from the examples of others; to care, to trust, to serve, to be faithful, to be kind, controlled, content and to share the stories that we have been taught of God's glory, authority and power.

We have a distinct privilege to build a lasting relationship with our grandkids that is hardly matched by any other. For the love we embrace them with, the patience that we show and the true interest that we share in whatever they are pursuing gives us a direct reward of influence. And that very influence is carried on to the next generation. My dad's parents lived on a farm in Navada Texas, a little town outside Dallas. We didn't see them much but the memories of the old plantation type house with the surrounding front porch and the times shared in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning will never be forgottten. It was not so much what they said but what they did and how they acted and reacted that I remember. It was a country way that still resonates in my soul. My Mom's mom died early and my grandfather was the one grandparent who had the greatest influence on my life. He loved being with me, and he made that known. And oh how I adored being with him at every juncture. It was not where we went but just the being with him that mattered. It is all about building a trust and confidence in a relationship that is grounded in love.

I got a call from William the other day asking me to come pick him up and take him on errands with me. I happily replied that as a matter of fact I was just heading out and would gladly be there in ten minutes. I know this phase will not last and I want to get as much our of it as I can. I drove up and he was waiting on the curb and said Catherine wanted to come too. I said great just hop in and you can go with me to the post office and to drop off a gift. They didn't care. They like my silly cd's and the windows can be down. I try to be as available as I can for I adore being with all of them. Loving grandkids is simple as long as you take time to enjoy the simple things.

It was grandparents' day at Blake's school but it is grandparents day everyday that I get to get a glimpse of any of my grandkids. I was proud to have been invited but even prouder that this was my grandson. They need to know that, and feel that pride that we have in them. After all, we are the ones having all the fun with them. Parenting is a humbling exercise, but grandparenting, that is a joy ride for me. If we truly love these children then it is our responsibility to be God's light in this world of darkness and help them to grow up in the Lord and trust him as their Lord and Savior.

Psalm 71:18
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Dear Lord, how blessed I am to have such precious grandchildren. Thank you for filling my heart with such joy. Please bless them and keep them close to you always as you grow them up. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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email address: cjodeit@gmail.com