Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 8, 2015
May you live to see your children’s children— peace be on Israel. Psalm 128:6
Fifty five years of age seems young to have five grandchildren ages 5 years to 6 months. At first I felt a little insecure becoming a grandparent while still seven months from five decades of life. But after the Lord blessed us with our first bundle of love (Lily)—I got over my apprehension. What a privilege to prayerfully and intentionally invest in our grandchildren. Grand parenting, like parenting, takes energy—but not as much. It takes time—but not as much. It takes money—but not as much. I see God in our grandchildren.
The Psalmist speaks a blessing to the older generation, hopeful to see their third generation. The fruit of the faithful cannot always be tasted in this life, but when their new vines blossom they are beautiful to behold and divine to hold. Grandchildren are grand—because they are God’s gift and His second chance to better love our little ones. In a period of history where death and disease were no strangers to society—it was not as common to see your children’s children grow up. The elderly prayed for a season to laugh with their baby’s baby. Youth gives life to those aging in life!
“The older will serve the younger” (Romans 9:12).
Is your grand parenting biological clock ticking? Do you feel like you are running out of time to be able to run with your children’s children? It is normal and noble to want grandchildren sooner than later. However, be prayerful to not put undue pressure on your child to produce children. It’s all in the Lord’s timing. Persistent encouragement to have children can create resentment and eventually backfire with excessive protection from your grandchild. Be grateful to God for each moment you have to hold a grand baby. Pray, “Is there a little one, not my own, whom I can love?”
Moreover, if you are married and praying about when to have children—consider sooner than later. Why wait until it is too late to engage your children with your parents and in-laws while in their prime? It is a blessing for your child to see you take care of your parents in their last days, but if possible, plan for your progeny to play with their grandparents in their best days. Sons and daughters who grow up with grandparents benefit from their love, wisdom and generosity. Not to mention the blessing of built in babysitters! Better to be a grandparent sooner—than someday.
“You who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust You with the gift of a grandchild in Your best timing.
Related Readings: Psalm 37:25; Isaiah 46:4-5; John 21:18; Titus 2:4; 1 Timothy 5:1-2
Post/Tweet this today: Grandchildren are grand—because they are God’s gift and His second chance to better love our little ones. #grandparent #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 6 minute video- Gaither’s: Take My Hand, Precious Lord
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