Grandparenting has been a while in coming for us. And we have known for years that it would not come in the traditional sense. Our first grandsons are coming into our family through adoption at 3, 6, and 7, and the family, all of us, couldn’t be more excited. Thanksgiving last year was an overwhelmingly emotional time as I watched our oldest become parents. Since they had served overseas in an orphanage for 18 months, I was privileged to visit them while they were serving, I have seen them, parent. Through the years, I have watched them interact with their friend’s children tenderly, silly, and intentionally. But, observing them with 3 boys of their own, was awe-inspiring, emotional, and an incredibly proud moment. They worked together so well in ways that it takes most couples years to figure out the dance. They possess intuition and a deep understanding of what the boys need at this point in their lives.
As our children were growing up, we relied heavily on Proverbs 22:6:
Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.
What is our responsibility as Grandparents?
Now, watching my husband, Lee, becomes a grandparent is on an entirely different level. As parents, we were strict (until the baby, I hate to admit!) and firm disciplinarians probably harder than we needed to be, especially with the oldest 3. And now, we have three little boys that call him “Dude.” Watching the man, I have spent almost four decades with, teaching the next generation was overwhelming for me. The patience and love he displays while being down on their level was a sight to behold. Lee grew up with a military dad who created a strong, sometimes gruff Dad in the day to day during our children’s younger years. Then enter a new generation that Lee can play with and teach from a Grand-parent’s perspective. We now have the privilege (and responsibility) to school, be a role model, and love unconditionally.
As a grandparent, we also have a responsibility to teach the next generation about the love of Jesus through our actions, thoughts, and our everyday lives. Grandparents can have a very unique and special relationship with our grandchildren. We can have an impact where no one else can, and we need to make sure we are intentional about our influence. Deuteronomy 11:19 reminds us that we are to be pointing our grandchildren toward the Lord while we are living our lives:
19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
As a couple and individually, our daughter and son-in-love are uniquely suited and equipped to take on the challenge of parenting and loving these 3 little boys, And “Sassy and Dude” plan to come along side them and support them.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 11:19). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 22:6). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
You were right, I liked today’s post. Love you!
The blessings of new seasons in life are refreshing and renewing as God’s word is seen through new glasses because a new season offers a new perspective.
I couldn’t agree more. I love the new seasons!