Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 19, 2013
“After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so Job died, an old man and full of years.” Job 42:16-17
God gives grandparents the opportunity to be available for their grandchildren. It can be the most fulfilling season of life, because of the joy that comes from seeing the third generation follow the Lord with wholehearted commitment. Grandchildren need their grandparents for fun, support, encouragement, wisdom, security and a loving legacy.
Do you have a plan to be intentional in your grandchildren’s lives? Grandparents who take the time to be with their grandchildren invest in the next godly generation. Do you want to be remembered for being available to those who desire you the most, or for being busy doing good things for people who probably won’t attend your funeral? Bless your grandchildren with your faithfulness to them and the Lord—pray for His will in their life.
“When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?” “They are the sons God has given me here,” Joseph said to his father. Then Israel said, “Bring them to me so I may bless them” (Genesis 48:8-9). Grandchildren need their grandparents blessing.
What’s a grandparent to do if they are available, but the grandchild is unavailable? It may be a geographical challenge or a generational gap; whatever the relational chasm, pray for them to love Christ. Don’t allow distance to dissolve your relationship with your grandchild. Look for creative ways to go to them—relieve mom and dad for a needed time away. Invite them to join you on an educational trip to an interesting historical site.
Moments with grandmother and granddaddy are memories that are not soon forgotten. Fishing, hunting, eating, reading, learning to drive, walking together and laughing are all healthy interactions that build a sense of belonging for grandchildren. In a transitional society it’s imperative that families find close community—perhaps you pray for a local “adopted” grandparent that can fill in the gaps of absent grandparents.
“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:6). Commitment to family bears fruit that transcends generations.
Lastly, if you are a grandchild then reach out to your grandparents. They will not be with you forever and they cherish every word of communication with you. Visit them often at their home, call them regularly and write them nice notes thanking them for their love for you and others. The elderly need the respect and care of those blessed by their wisdom and generosity. Grandparents deserve honor expressed with our time, talent and treasures.
“‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:32).
Prayer: How can I be available for my grandchildren? How can I honor my grandparents?
Related Readings: Proverbs 16:31; Isaiah 46:4; Titus 2:1-5
Post/Tweet today: Don’t allow distance to dissolve your relationship with your grandchild. #grandparents
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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I am a different kind of grandparent. I am a birth grandmother. My daughter placed her son in a loving, open adoption 4 years ago. While it was very painful to watch him in another Grandmother’s arms, I have been blessed to see him and know him. My heart yearns to be his grandmother and give him all the things you mentioned in your devotion. But, God continues you to give me peace as I have had the privilege to meet his other Grandmothers and see how Godly and loving they are to him. Someday I hope to have another grandchild and be the grandmother I long to be with this special little boy. But, I still am a grandmother who loves and prays for him in a way only a grandma can. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts.
I am a grandmother of a miracle baby girl that was born at 1pound 3onces at 25 weeks of my daughter pregnancy she is well, after GOD ‘S ALL MIGTHY HAND TOUCH HER,heart,lungs,brain and eyes SHE WAS HEAL, today she is 1 year old the joy of my heart and the reason to GIVE PRAISE AND HONOR TO OUR CREATOR EVERY EVERYDAY !!! How beautiful beauti is to be called GRANDPARENTS!!!!
I have 2 amazing grandchildren. Our challenge is distance, although I do not use that as an excuse, it motivates me even more to make sure that I am part of their lives. I call them every day, and my granddaughter reads to me. I visit an much as I can, and take her on vacations with me. My granddaughter and I take train trips, cruises, go horseback rollerskating, or sometimes just a simple walk together.My grandson is just 8 months old, but I have adventures planned for him also. I must say that being a grandmother is one of the greatest gifts that God has blessed me with.
What about the situation where grandparents are unavailable because they are either dead or incapable of fulfilling the role? This can be the case where there are orphans, widows and fatherless children. Surely, the onus is on Christians to reach out to people in this situation regardless of being unrelated in human terms but having regard to God’s word. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” I think the Lord will say.