Do you ever just sit and wonder at all our God has created?
Genesis chapter one tells us He created the light, the sky above, dry land, seas, plants and trees, the sun, the moon, the stars, sea creatures, flying creatures, animals, and people. And if that weren’t enough to stir some awe, take a moment to consider each of these glorious acts of creation separately.
How many regions of dry land appear on the earth? How about the vast array of plants and trees that exist? Have you considered the extensive variety and enormous range in size of the creatures that live in the sea, in the sky, and on the earth? And what about the intricacies of the human body?
It should absolutely blow our mind and lead us to respond in worship. However, if we read beyond chapter one of the book of Genesis, we will see that there is so much more! Among the additional works of His creation, we find things such as rest and work, holy days and celebrations, traditions, marriage and family and family roles. God created the role of father, mother, and child. He also created grandparenting!
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth,
Colossians 1:16
visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—
all things were created through him and for him.
God created all things (Colossians 1:16), thus He created grandparenting. It is a family role just as that of father or mother. It is distinct and not interchangeable with any of the other biblical roles.
Grandparenting is a role that benefits both grandchildren and adult children with the valuable assets of maturity, experience, prospective, and assistance.
So, the question before us today is, “How might we be more intentional in carrying out our God-given role?”
6 Essentials for Every Grandparent
1. SPEND TIME IN PRAYER.
We all know praying for our grandchildren is crucial. In fact, most of us believe it so fully that we actively search for how to be more effective in those prayers. This is not a bad thing, but we must understand that there is so much more to prayer than strategies alone.
In order to pour our heart out in prayer for our grandchildren (or for anyone), there has to be something in our heart to be poured out. The heart of prayer is learning to ask God what it is that He wants to do and give through us.
As we carry out our role, it is essential that we remember that prayer is a conversation. Tools and strategies are great, but they are not prayer. The best thing we can do for our grandchildren and our adult children is to simply sit and talk with God about what is on our heart.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom
Ephesians 3:14-21
every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you,
being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend
with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all
that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
forever and ever. Amen.
2. SPEND TIME IN GOD’S WORD.
It’s in the pages of God’s Word that we learn what He wants us to do and give. It’s here where we become versed in God’s design and grow to know Him better. Fill your heart with His words. Commit your life to being a wisdom hunter.
3. SELF-EVALUATE, regularly.
Self-evaluation is not an easy task. It is, in fact, a very difficult, humbling, and often times painful experience. However, it is here in the middle of the hard that we are drawn closer to God and learn to live our lives by His design.
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Psalm 139:23-24
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
4. BE AUTHENTIC.
The youth of today are looking for older people (elders) they can trust. Their mantra, “Show me!”
“Show” your grandchildren by your life.
O God, from my youth you have taught me,
Psalm 71:17-18
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come.
5. EARN THE RIGHT TO BE TURNED TO AND TRUSTED.
When your very young grandchildren want to talk, stop what you are doing and listen – eyes on them, hands still. Listening to their big things when your grandchildren are little, often earns you the right to hear their big things when they grow older.
Another key here is to listen without preaching. As difficult as it may be, learn to zip your lips, pray like mad, and truly listen.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,
Philippians 2:3-4
but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
6. ASK “DIALOGUE” QUESTONS.
Anyone can ask “yes” or “no” questions, but where do those answers lead? NOWHERE!
Get to know your grandchildren (and adult children) and build deeper relationships by asking great “dialogue” questions.
Ask your grandchildren:
- How can I pray for you today?
- What can I do to help you be successful?
- How do you feel about that?
Ask your children:
- What can I do to help you be successful?
- How can I help to lighten your load?
- (When caring for your grandchildren) If they get out of hand, how do you want me/us to handle it?
So, may I ask? “How are you doing with the grandparenting essentials?”
There’s no better time than today for a little self-evaluation. Carve out some time, pull away from the busy, and spend some time with God discussing these essentials and renewing your commitment to your God-given task.
