A Grandmother’s Love
I have wrestled for 8 years with the nagging question of “what is so extraordinary about a Grandmother’s Love?” I absolutely loved being a mom and embraced every opportunity to pour into my daughters through encouragement, training, teaching, correcting and sometimes disciplining. But there is some indescribable difference about my role as a grandparent. I look at my role as “Gammie” as a mentorship role model. I am more focused on careful instruction and showing great patience and less focused on commanding obedience and monitoring accomplishments. I have more time to come alongside each of my grandkids and more time to listen to their hearts. I also have more wisdom to discern what really matters in the long run and can focus on developing their character. What that looks like on a daily basis was described by a speaker I heard this weekend who was sharing about her relationship with her grandma. She used this relationship with her grandma as a model of discipleship. There were two simple things her grandma did that had a significant impact on her confidence and her ability to persevere through the hard times.
Grandma would sit and watch her dance…..find out what your kids or grandkids are passionate about and take the time to show them that you are passionate about watching them do what they love to do.
Grandma would walk toward her and meet her everyday right where she was…..encourage your kids or grandkids by meeting them right where they are and giving them the best you can offer.
Loving my grandkids is a joy. Knowing that my love has the power to shape their character, build their confidence and ignite their faith is a privilege that I will embrace until the end of my days.
A few principles I know about discipleship can be easily implemented when I spend time with my grandkids.
1. Nothing disqualifies me to disciple my grandkids.(as long as I have the support from their parents)
2. I can teach them what I already know-share my faith, my experiences, my hobbies, my passions.
3. I do not have to know everything before I can teach them something. Teach them what I know. They may be light years ahead of me regarding technology but I can teach them integrity regarding when and how to use technology and wisdom and discernment with what they use it for.
4. Never give up on them-love, patience, active listening, compassion, hugs, reassurance, developing a servant’s heart, endurance and perseverance.
2 Timothy 4:2-5 says, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For a time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober minded in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Be a blessing by using your influence wisely. Love without limits because children spell “love” TIME!!!!
