Christian Grandparenting Blog

We are influenced by the world we live in. Every day we make decisions that are shaped by what we have learned from parents, extended families, school, workplaces, and our communities or affinity groups. Social media is also a very influential piece of life today. These cultural expectations may be communicated verbally or indirectly. They are the standards and rules that guide our behavior in society and tell us what is or is not acceptable.

A few months ago, I accepted an assignment from our church to write a devotion about the raising of Lazarus. Writing was a struggle initially because this is such a familiar story. We know that as a result of Jesus’ delay, Lazarus had been dead for four days before he arrived. And despite the stench and Jewish belief that Lazarus’ soul had already left his body, our Lord directed the mourners, “Take away the stone.” We’ve also noted the authority in Jesus’ command, “Lazarus, come out,” and tried to imagine what it was like for Mary and Martha’s brother emerging from the tomb, dazed and wearing his grave clothes.

Have you ever felt like a country music song? You know the song… the kind where the man loses his job; his wife leaves with the kids; his truck won’t start; and his dog is run over by a reindeer.  Given that we don’t want to be labeled as grumpy grandparents, nor do we want to model this attitude for our grandchildren, how do we handle daily trials and tribulations without becoming ungrateful, cantankerous or just plain crabby?

Ask a man how he is doing and frequently the answer will come back, “Stressed!” Our lives are filled with all kinds of pressures that can easily produce anxiety. Fathers are especially vulnerable to anxiety and worry.

When you hear the word "father", do you typically think about dads and the responsibilities associated with fathering their children? Did you know that the Scripture’s use of the word “father” rarely distinguishes between fathers (dads) and grandfathers or great grandfathers? The word translated ‘father’ is much bigger than a single first-generation father. It refers to all fathers from each generation living at that time or fathers from our past.

Grandfathering is a lot like fathering sons and daughters. There is vital messaging that we pass along to our children and their children that honors God and promotes healthy relationships.

In preparation for my retirement in December 2023, I began to reflect on all the people and  events that had had a profound influence on me. The Little Red Bible played an important role in those reflections.

A ship’s anchor allows the vessel to remain fixed and unmoving regardless of the conditions at sea. Without the support of an anchor the ship would be tossed uncontrollably at the will of the winds and the waves. As with ships, we too need a steadfast anchor to keep us from drifting around aimlessly through life; one that is secure and unbending.