I remember holding each of my five grandchildren for the first time. My heart was filled with boundless joy and thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father.
Although I prayed for physically healthy grandchildren, I prayed even more for grandchildren who would grow knowing the love of Jesus.
As a grandparent, what do you want your grandchildren to know and remember most about you? For me, I want my grandchildren to know that I loved and served Jesus with great fervor, that I loved them with my whole heart, and that I wanted them to know, love, and serve Jesus.
A grandparent’s influence ranks second only to a child’s parent. Grandparents should take every advantage to spiritually pour into their grandchildren’s lives with the intention to have an eternal influence.
Biblical perspective
Grandparents are pictured throughout Scripture as vital individuals in the family, passing down faith and godly wisdom. Deuteronomy 4:9 is clear that grandparents are to actively teach and guide their descendants, teaching the truths of God to their children and to their children after them. Proverbs 17:6 describes grandchildren as the crown of the aged, and the pride of children is their parents.
Consider also 2 Timothy 1:5. Grandparenting extends far beyond the laughter, affection, and gift giving.
We are to help shape the moral and faith foundations of a relationship with Jesus as their Savior, Lord, Redeemer, and Sanctifier.
Investing time
Love is most often spelled “T.I.M.E,” so spend as much time as possible with your grandchildren. Invest in them through cards, letters, texts and other means of social media; however, nothing ranks higher than actual time together. Talk about life, friends, laughing, goals, disappointments and accomplishments.
Grandchildren need to hear you say how proud you are of them and how thankful you are that God put them in your family. They need to know how much you enjoy every moment together playing games, working on projects, walking in the park, sharing a good book and praying together (not just at mealtime). It is important that they hear how you see God at work in their lives, and knowing that being with you as a grandparent is always a “safe” place.
Traditions
Traditions are important to families, and grandparents are uniquely positioned to establish those moments that become especially memorable in the lives of grandchildren. For example, I host annual tea parties for my granddaughters. We cook, get dressed up and have fun around our fancy table.
More ideas
Here are other ideas for grandparents that cultivate moments of influence.
— Hiking and nature walks, gardening, and seasonal outdoor fun like flying kites, water balloon fights, and chalk art on driveways.
— Going to museums and exhibits, library adventures, historical sites and tours, and performances — especially those involving grandchildren.
— Cooking and baking together, making crafts, and taking in sports games.
— Storytelling — sharing about your life and childhood to teach spiritual lessons.
— Attending church together whenever possible.
— Praying together, building an understanding of the importance and power of prayer, and letting them hear you pray for them.
— Planning service projects together that model blessing others through thoughtful acts and being a role model for spiritual disciplines.
The list could go on, but the key is to love your grandchildren unconditionally as you speak biblical truth. Make every effort to stay in touch at every stage and season of their lives.
Godly grandparenting is not only about entertainment or gifts, but about shaping the eternal faith foundations of the next generation through relational investments. Intentionally seed their lives with biblical teaching through the years while consistently pointing them toward Jesus.
Secret weapon
And don’t forget a grandparent’s secret weapon: Lots of hugs and a whispered, “I love you.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Nancy Duggin and originally published by the Baptist and Reflector.
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