Grand-parenting with Grit and Grace (4)

Like the pup in this picture, sometimes we grandparents need to keep our chin up, to keep on “truckin’” even when the journey is arduous. It takes “grit” and “grace” to grandparent today. So, it was a relief to me when I learned the Lord is not looking for “good grandparents”. Nope. He’s looking for grandparents becoming like Jesus. Notice I said “becoming”. You see, we are all a work in progress.

The first step in becoming this type of a grandparent is to run to God and give him my heart. Surrender my life. Not a very American thought. Or at least, not a thought many Americans relate to today. But before I can extricate my children and grandchildren from the clutches of this world, before I say even one word to them, I must first run to the Lord and surrender my life to him.

To surrender is to give the Lord permission to make changes in my life. I acquiesce so Jesus can guide me with his wisdom for his purposes. I let go of the way the world encourages me to live and I choose to live according to God’s plans. I lay aside my agenda, release my independence and take up God’s purposes by relying on him.

Is your heart heavy for your grandchildren? For your “grown” children? Do you long to point their lives towards this loving Father? Then you run to him. Earnestly seek God with all of your heart so that out of its overflow you will impact your loved ones for Christ.

-Cathy Jacobs, Director of Grandparenting Ministries