The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Grandparent(s) (04/03/08)
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS PEACEMAKERS

I often think of the profound words of the Bible in Proverbs 17:6 “Children's children are the glory of old men.” Oh for the wealth of deep joy in these nuggets of gold. The most gratifying wishes parents can ever receive for their newborns is to hear: “May you see their children's children.”

In these staggering times, we as definitely sense a great need to pray for happiness for all grandchildren in the world. Whether they be our biological ones, our step-ones, or those whom God gave us to love and cherish as our own; rest assured. They all need us. I looked back on my own life as a child and found this: the basic seeds of contentment began to germinate, when my grandma Antoinette blessed me with this lesson, "In your life, always try to occupy yourself with something to do, someone to love and care for..."

Happiness is a pressing need, and as important as the air we breathe. Especially when we can heartily impact the most tender of the loved ones around us--our very offspring. "Yea for thou shalt see thy children's children" Ps. 128:6 .
God with His grace has promised them to us.

That prime and very significant “something to do and someone to love" which bring joy to our golden years is this: To care for their welfare as long as we can. We can naturally invest love, patience and discipline in our grandchildren. This is especially possible when we have their parents' blessings-- never to cross the intricate hairbreadth's boundary which lies between loving, and actually spoiling them.

Today, there are great family problems almost everywhere. Only a small percentage of siblings are able to solve their problems peacefully on their own. I suggest placing a kind reminder in big red letters in every church and home that says:

"GRANDPARENTS DESPERATELY NEEDED ALL HOURS OF THE DAY....PLEASE DO NOT RESIGN.. RETIRE …OR MOVE AWAY”

Single parents…and their children may willingly welcome support and attention from any considerate senior relative or friend. How about care from a grandparent then?
While we lived in Africa my mother-in-law moved in with us after a disabling stroke. I recall her loving, inspiring assistance at times. I remember how one day, clearly noting the children's agitation, she calmly intervened advising. “Can you find any paid jobs around this house for small hands to do?”
“You really believe this works?” I hopefully asked.
“Why certainly! It did work for their Dad in the past.”
She then resumed: “See that you pay them fairly. Times HAVE changed, you know.”

What a wise lead that promoted extra love and peace to our home! That reminded me of the genuine support I have received from my relatives during my difficult childhood days. I now feel the debt round my neck “to go and do likewise.” Nothing surpasses a hug of appreciation, or a sweet smile of gratitude, after reaching out in love to our grandbabies.

Yet some of us may be living some distance away from our children's families. Encounters may become restricted. We all believe in encouraged communications. So what must we do?
“Send them cards, letters, and notes,” writes Marilyn Krebs in Tips For Long-distance Grand Mothering. “Touch them with telephone calls,” she adds. “Hearing you speak their names, weekly or monthly giving a few encouraging words, makes a difference in their lives.”

I am a positive believer that most healthy grandparents may thrive on the presence of these human gifts from God to us. They grace our lives like twinkling stars decorating the quiet evening sky. Grandchildren, bring us a God-honoring peace which we truly deserve.

In caring for them, we receive a double blessing: The rekindling of our happiness, and hearing the Lord Jesus gently whispering in our hearts, “Blessed are the peace makers: For they shall be called the children of God” Mathew 5:9

(ALL SCRIPTURES ARE TAKEN FROM THE KJV)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1178 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Debbie Wistrom
04/10/08
You poured much thought and emotion into this submission. Can you see a ministry in your future, connecting these two groups of people how need each other? Your heart is definitely there.
Beth LaBuff 
04/11/08
The Bible is very poetic, your quote, "Children's children are the glory of old men, is a verse that means more the older you get." This made me smile, "never to cross the intricate hairbreadth's boundary which lies between loving, and actually spoiling them." There are some of us who have NOT figured out this "hairbreadth's boundary". (I love that phrase! :) ) Your "paid jobs" story is heart-warming. I did a few of these with my kids too. :)
Joshua Janoski
04/14/08
"In your life, always try to occupy yourself with something to do, someone to love and care for..."

I love these great words of wisdom.

Your piece was very unique. It felt like it would make a good article for a parenting magazine.

You have many great thoughts to share, and I appreciate you sharing them.