God tells grandparents in scripture, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and their children after them.”   Deuteronomy 4:9

Just in case we need a reminder, Sunday, September 10, 2023 is National Grandparent’s Day. I must be honest in saying that I never gave much thought to being a grandparent until God blessed us in becoming grandparents. 

It has always been a blessing seeing other grandparents enjoy the company of their grandchildren, but oh what joy it brings seeing your own child become a parent. It is an amazing sense of pride and honor in spending quality time with your children and grandchildren. They bring so much joy into your life that you have to wonder how you managed without them. It is unbelievable how babies can bring so much happiness into the lives of parents and grandparents. It gives you a sense of fulfilment and completeness in life. Life could not be better as we witness youth before our own eyes.  

One of the joys of being a grandparent is being able to spend time with the grandchildren without the pressures and responsibilities of parenting. I have heard grandparents say, “The good news is when you get tired of keeping the grandchildren, you can send them home.”    

Be grateful to God for your grandbabies as you watch them grow and mature right before your own eyes. To watch them go through the different phases of growth is just precious. There is no greater satisfaction than hearing a child laugh and enjoy the company of others. Bonding with your grandchildren is just remarkable. Becoming a grandparent provides an exciting opportunity to forge new relationships that will last forever. It is important to share some of your life’s stories with them, good and bad.      

What grandparents must remember is the fact that we are grandparents and not the parents of the grandchildren. It is easy to go overboard in providing and loving on our grandchildren, but we must not go to the extreme. It is important that parents draw the line for grandparents so that we might continue to honor and respect their parenting. It is important that grandparents inquire as to how much they can do and provide for grandchildren. Just a thought!

One thing is for sure, the cost of living has placed a strain on lots of families. The one thing we can do as grandparents is offer our support and love to them in different ways. Many grandparents assist their families by providing regular childcare. I would imagine it to be a life savior for some families, even though it can be exhausting.

Too often grandparents shower their grandchildren with gifts, but we must be careful and get the approval from parents first. If I had a suggestion to grandparents in this writing, it would be that we start by investing into our grandchildren at an early age. Start a college saving fund for a later date. They will appreciate you for it in years to come. If they decide not to go to college, the savings will accrue and always be there for them. Toys are fine, but a lifelong reward is greater.      

Spending time with grandchildren is awesome for grandparents and grandchildren. Just think about the fond memories our grandchildren will have as we continue to bond and share with them. It should be our hope of leaving a legacy that will cause our grandchildren to cherish the time spent with us.   

We are living in some perilous times. Let us do all we can do in our power to raise up generations that will center their lives around loving all people.

Proverbs 17:6 tells us, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” It should be our hope and prayer that our children will be proud of their parents, grandchildren should be seen as a reward of the grandparent! May we enjoy this gift to the fullest! We have a responsibility in determining what the future generations will bring forth for the betterment of living on this earth.

Take time on this Sunday to celebrate with family on this very special day.

Just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade