Our grandchildren have been back in school for a while. They have had to adjust to new teachers, classmates, friends etc. They may be facing lots of homework, activities, disappointments, challenges, and fears. Grandparents can be great encouragers or cheerleaders for them during these times.

Norm Andersen writes in 12 Seeds for Successful Relationships, “Encouragement is inspiring another person with courage or confidence. It literally mans ‘to give courage to’ a person, to reassure them, spur them on, support their efforts to succeed.” ?

We read in Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” God promises to be with us, strengthen us and help us when we face disappointments and challenges in life. We can encourage our grandchildren to always depend on Him for encouragement.

Certainly, encouragement can be one of the finest benefits, one of the most valuable blessings that we can give one another in our relationships. Enthusiasm and energy levels are love, and emotional batteries may be drained if one is discouraged.  Discouraged people tend to focus on problems and worries. Sometimes we tend to focus on the discouraging ways of the world rather than the encouraging promises of the Lord.

“Encouragement cheers from the sidelines or even comes alongside others. When challenges are faced, encouragement says, ‘I want you to overcome! I want you to succeed!’  Encouragement. . . is much-needed, highly welcomed gift for all occasions.”?

Dear Lord, Help me to be sensitive to the dangers, fears challenges and unexpected changes my grandchildren face with their family, school and friends. When they are discouraged, give me wisdom to respond with encouraging words. Help me to be their encourager and cheerleader. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Suggested things to say to encourage our grandchildren.

• “Keep up the good work”
• “_______, I admire your persistence.”
• “I know you can do it!”
• “_______, you’ve put a lot of work into this, and it shows!”
• “Remember God promises us that He will always be with us.”

?  Norm Andersen, 12 Seeds for Sucessful Relationships, (12 Seeds International, Inc.: Minneapolis, MN, 2004) p 17.

? Ibid, p 23.

© Lillian Penner 2010

These thoughts have been adapted from 12 Seeds for Successful Relationships by Norm Anderson and used by his permission. He writes, “Most every success in life involves the presence or growth of one or more of these seeds.” You may purchase this book at www.12 seeds.com.