Nothing

Last week I ran into a friend from years past. When I asked, "Tell me about yourself; what are you doing nowadays?", she quickly replied, "Oh nothing...just spending time with the grandkids - that's all I do."

Nothing? That's all you do?? That is one of our greatest privileges and highest responsibilities! It's not nothing! So now I'm on a campaign to change our minds about the way we view "playing" with our grandchildren! Of course, my friend does not take lightly her time spent with her grandchildren. But oftentimes we fail to communicate the importance of our role in that child's life.

I was reminded of Paul's encouragement to Timothy, his "true son in the faith": He states, "...night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers...I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." (2 Timothy 1:3-5) Timothy had been influenced by a godly grandmother, and now Paul is instructing him to "fan into flame the gift of God" ( v.6).

The greatest gift we can give our grandchildren is now wrapped in paper with a pretty bow on top - you are fully aware of the temporary benefits of earthly gifts. The gift that will keep on giving is what our grandchildren will "catch" as they observe the love of Jesus in their grandmother's or grandfather's heart - the love that "spills over" from a sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The role of a godly grandparent is extremely valuable, highly influential, and eternally beneficial to our precious grandchildren. What a gift we've been given: the privilege of passing on Jesus' heritage to the next generation...they are precious in His sight!

"Always preach the gospel...and sometimes even use words."
St. Francis of Assisi
More is caught than taught!