April 2021
Ever sense the news broke that Dana and I were going to be grandparents, I have been like a sugar craved kid smack in the middle of a pile of sweet-tart candies. But, in the midst of the joy and excitement, I have also had some time to reflect. If you will allow, I would like to share some of those reflections with you. Note however, before I begin let me be transparent. Some will certainly be more theological than others. So, here goes!
- God is so good. We serve a mighty God who showers blessing after blessing upon the just and the unjust.
- Life is a precious gift from a great God. From the infant to the seasoned adult, the life we have, has been given to us by God. Thus, we should be using it to bring honor and glory to the One from whom it came.
- God is in control. Parents want to do everything they can to provide and to protect their children. Grandparents want the same for their grands. But, in reality, our provisions and protections pale in comparison to those of almighty God. God’s got this!
- What a joy it will be to share God with her. The reality is, my granddaughter will be born as all of us have been, with a sinful nature. Jesus Christ is the only hope to free her from the bondage of that sinful nature.
- What a joy it will be to sit with her and share the amazing stories of God’s Word. The stories of creation, Noah and the ark, David and Goliath, Daniel and lion’s den make for great bedtime stories.
- I am deeply concerned about the world my granddaughter will grow up in. See point 3 above.
- I have been accused of being more excited about my granddaughter than my own children. After some soul searching, there may be a hint of truth in that accusation. Not that I was not excited about both my boys, but when my boys were born fear and panic seemed to be the overwhelming feeling. There is no instruction manual for raising kids. Not so with grandkids, however. An instruction manual does exist for grandkids: spoil them rotten and send them home. I got this!
- The struggle of picking the name you want your grandkids to call you is real! You want to be unique. You want to be cool. But the reality is, they are going to call you what they want. So, be thankful and embrace whatever name they choose. Note: I hope she chooses Pa!
- Shopping for girls after you have raised boys is a challenge. A challenge indeed, but the instructions for grandkids found in point 5 still apply.
What a joy it will be to see God in all of his wonder and majesty as he knits this new life together.
I am reminded of the words of the Psalmist:
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD., the fruit of the womb a reward., Like the arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 127:3-5)
