But the steadfast love of the Lord is
from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his
righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and
remember to do his commandments. Psalm 103:17-18 ESV
Lately there have been a spate of shows on Christian radio about the importance of Christian parenting. Hosts relate their child-rearing successes and humorous gaffs. There is no doubt of the importance of these topics and anecdotes. But the role of grandparents may often be overlooked.
Psalm 103 reminds us of the lasting affect a person's Christian walk can have for multiple generations. I read somewhere years ago, that a parent and grandparent can give the same advice to a child. The parent may be rewarded with an eye-roll, while the grandparent gets a look of thoughtful consideration.
Grandparents possess a lifetime of additional experiences, wisdom, and insight. I heard stories about the Great Depression, passenger trains, and Model A Fords They can be more objective when looking at issues that involve the child.
It is unfortunate that so many children must grow up miles from their grandparents. Weathered faces, gray hair, and family history are such an important part of my memories of summers, holidays, and birthdays.
I will never forget a conversation I had with Grandma Martin when I was going through my divorce. Near the end of the conversation she shared with me that were it not for God in her life, there were a few times early in her marriage to my grandfather, she was not sure their marriage would have survived. They ended up being married over 60 years. She did not share any specifics (my grandmother would never gossip), and I did not immediately fall on my knees as did Paul on the road to Damacus. But many years later when times got difficult, that particular conversation came to mind, and it reinforced my faith in God's providence.
A parents' role in child rearing does not stop with their own children. Caution and forbearance are a must, but so is a grandparents' presence in their grandchild's life.
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