“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1

Have you seen the t-shirt that reads,

While it is humorous, this caricature of grandparenting is, sadly, more accurate than we should be willing to admit. It captures an all too prevalent view of grandparenting by many—grandparents and parents alike. Let’s face it, who doesn’t like to spoil their grandchildren? But when this is our guiding philosophy for relating to our grandkids, it reveals a lack of intentionality toward God’s design for grandparents. In the process, we will probably  end up colliding with the expectations our adult children have for our grandkids and us. This may lead to resentment and estranged relationship with our adult children, and that will impact our relationship with our grandchildren as well.

Intentional grandparents, on the other hand, are focused on another agenda—God’s agenda for our family. Intentional grandparents ask, “How would God have me engage in a fruitful relationship with my children so I can partner with them and help them become successful parents?” Intentional grandparents look for ways to bless and encourage, not just have fun with their grandkids. They take seriously the command of God in Deut. 4:9 when He says, “Only, be careful and watch yourselves closely…” Intentional grandparents model godliness and the difference between religiosity and authentic, audacious faith (see last week’s post). Intentional grandparents are alert to teachable moments and seize the opportunity to tell the next generations of God’s amazing grace and all the wonders He has done.

When grandparenting does not feel so grand, that may be the time to examine our life more closely and see how intentionally we are living for the next generations. It might be time to ask God what needs to change in me so the grace of God is flowing freely. When I can honestly say “Search me, O God, and know my heart; see if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in Your way”, I open myself to the Holy Spirit to unclog my spiritual plumbing allowing His grace and blessing to be poured out on others. Intentionality shifts the focus from me, and my need to have everything my way, to the joy of being God’s instrument of blessing for my family. Imagine what God might do if we lived more intentionally for the next generations. It just might put some of the grand back in grandparenting again. It’s worth a try!

GRANDPAUSE: Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of Jesus. – Roy Lessin