AUGUST 31

The Blessing of Grandparenting

Deuteronomy 6:1-2

GRANDPARENTS.

Their favorite gesture is open arms, and their favorite question is “What do you wanna do?,” and their favorite words are “I love you, honey.” They don’t look for mistakes and failures; they quickly overlook them. They don’t remember that you spent your last dollar foolishly; they immediately forget it. And they don’t skip pages when they read to you . . . nor do they say “Hurry up” when you want to see how far you can make the rock skip across the lake. They’ll even stop and lick an ice-cream cone with you (preferably their own, not yours).

Best of all, when you want to talk, they want to listen. Long, loud lectures are out . . . so are comments like “You oughta be ashamed of yourself” and “That’s stupid!” It’s funny: when kids are with grandparents, they somehow get the impression that things like possessions and clothes aren’t nearly as important as they are. And getting somewhere on time isn’t half as significant as enjoying the journey. What’s the rush? Being together is far more important than getting there.

God has even more planned for us as grandparents.

These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life.

DEUTERONOMY 6:1-2

As grandparents, we have a special role that moves beyond endless sweets and special trips and surprise gifts. God counts on us to transfer the lessons we’ve learned about faith and faithfulness to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to tell them how He provided and about His presence in days of trouble and His goodness in lean times. God’s promise to us when we do is a long, healthy life. Now that’s a lot better than yoga, don’t you agree?