I’m a mother to four (now grown, thanks be to God) children! 

I remember the countless days of trying to get parenting right.  The burden of feeling like I was doing or saying things that were going to “mess up” my kids.  The numerous nights I put my head on the pillow unsure of how I was going to continue with this motherhood thing when the sun came up.

Parenting is hard.  It is not for the faint-hearted or weak-stomached. 

IT. IS. HARD. 

Then, several years ago, I was elevated to the delightful role of GRANDparent!  I had heard from others who entered this elite group before me that this role would be like no other.  Rumor was that grandparents would do things for their grandchildren that they would never do for their own kids.

I didn’t believe it.  I secretly questioned the salvation of those who said such things and just thought they needed more of Jesus. 

But then, it happened to me.  My grandson was born.  My brain immediately turned to mush and my heart to putty as there was nothing I wouldn’t do for him.  

“You want cake for breakfast, darlin’? Absolutely!!”  I’d slice it and serve it up as my adult daughter sat there looking on, rolling her eyes at me as she recalled the days of mandated oatmeal.

My grandson is 14 now and I’ve learned a few things over the years about just how special the role of a grandparent is:

Grandparents bring a supporting layer of stability.  When you’re in the day to day flurry of raising children, you’re just trying to stay alive – mentally, physically, and financially.  Grandparents have navigated that flurry and reached a place of stability and calm.  We can provide a space for our grandchildren to just be themselves without “getting on someone’s last nerve.”

Grandparents bring wisdom, experience, and insight.  Obvious, I know, but that age gap between us and our grown children can prove to be so useful for our grandchildren as they grow and navigate life.  We’ve spent enough years circling around the sun to know there’s nothing new under it.

Grandparents provide love and acceptance…no matter what.  Life is hard.  As grandparents, we’ve lived long enough to know our grandchildren will be disappointed, hurt, and let down in this world.  We bring an extra layer of love, an ever-attentive listening ear, and a great shoulder to cry on when our grandchildren need someone in their corner (having their favorite cookie available is always a plus, too).

Grandparents can supply an extra level of faith.  Psalm 103: 17 & 18 say it so perfectly: “…the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant…”

Paul noted the foundational importance of Timothy’s faith heritage as he said, “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…” (2 Timothy 1:5) 

As grandparents, we can never underestimate the influence we have on our grandchildren.  Regardless of how often we physically get to see them, God has gifted us with a special place in their lives to help ground them (and cover them) in love, faith, and peace.

And, isn’t it grand?

Until next time, Grace and Glory!