Our God is the great Creator. The grandparenting role, His design, and one that benefits both grandchildren and children with the valuable assets of maturity, experience, prospective, and assistance.
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their fathers. Proverbs 17:6
The memory of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot. Proverbs 10:7
How might we better fill our role?
1. SPEND TIME IN PRAYER. We all know prayer for our grandchildren is crucial. In fact, most of us believe it so fully that we actively search for how to be more effective in those prayers. This is not a bad thing, but we must understand that there is so much more to prayer than strategies alone.
In order to pour our heart out in prayer for our grandchildren (or for anyone), there has to be something in our heart to be poured out. The heart of prayer is learning to ask God what it is that He wants to do and give through us. Remember: It is impossible to give what we do not have.
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with
all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ
that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
2. SPEND TIME IN GOD’S WORD. It’s in the pages of God’s Word that we learn what He wants us to do and give. It’s here where we become versed in God’s design and grow to know Him better. Fill your heart with His words. Commit your life to being a wisdom hunter.
3. SELF-EVALUATE, regularly. Self-evaluation is not an easy task. It is, in fact, a very difficult, humbling, and often times painful experience. However, it is here in the middle of the hard that we are drawn closer to God and learn to live our lives by His design.
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24
4. BE AUTHENTIC. The youth of today are looking for older people (elders) they can trust. Their mantra, “Show me!”
“Show” your grandchildren by your life.
O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
18 So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come. Psalm 71:17-18
5. EARN THE RIGHT TO BE TURNED TO AND TRUSTED. As difficult as it may be, learn to zip your lips, pray like mad, and listen – truly listen.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility
count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
6. ASK “DIALOGUE” QUESTIONS. Anyone can ask “yes” or “no” questions, but the answers don’t lead anywhere. Get to know your grandchildren (and children) and build deeper relationships through the use of great “dialogue” questions.
Ask your grandchildren:
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How can I pray for you today?
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What can I do to help you be successful?
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How do you feel about that?
Ask your children:
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What can I do to help you be successful?
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How can I help to lighten your load?
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(When caring for your grandchildren) If they get out of hand, how do you want me/us to handle it?
2 comments
Crystal Twaddell
I’m not a grandparent yet, but I dream of it:) I think my favorite here is asking dialogue questions. It’s what I’ve realized is huge with my own children to gently pull them out of their world so they share. I have to say I also appreciate the self-evaluate. It isn’t easy, but it does bring perspective and growth.
Deborah
Crystal, you point out two that take some effort, but I have found them each to be so worth it in grandparenting as well as other areas of life. And you’re gonna love being a grandma when the season comes!!!!!