The Grandsons Are Coming!

Next week our son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Danielle will be coming to our house for a few days and then heading to the mountains with us for our family vacation. Of course, along with Jonathan and Danielle come Jesse (almost 6), Jack (4), and Caleb (2). That means, we will be with our grandsons for about two weeks.  As you might imagine, as boys they are constantly on the move running, jumping, exploring, pouring forth constant energy. It’s a thought that is both exciting and exhausting at the same time. But Kim and I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

Of course we are already thinking through the next couple of weeks. There are beds to be made, food to be shopped for, and toys to be taken out of storage. We are thinking through what we will do with them when they are here in our home—e.g. go to the pool, spend time at the beach, visit a new playground, take out the sprinkler, etc.  And we are picturing what we will do with them when we are up in mountains by the lake—go for a hike, take a canoe ride, jump into the lake, etc.  (Wow! I’m tired just thinking about it all!) Thankfully, they as well like to read, do puzzles, and play board games—i.e., some things that are a little bit more low key. And just maybe, if we are all lucky, they’ll take an occasional nap! 

Although Kim and I know it takes a lot of effort and energy on our part to have our grandsons around, we are already excited to know that they are coming. After all, having them with us gives us a chance to invest into their lives as we make memories with them that we hope they will never forget. More than that, it’s an opportunity for us to invest into their lives as we seek influence them for good as we talk and pray and simply share life together as a God-centered family. 

The writer of Proverbs wrote, “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged….” (Proverbs 17:6 - NLT)  The Psalmist wrote, “May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.” (Psalm 128:6) And, in the book of Deuteronomy we read, “And be sure to pass (the things God has done and his decrees) on to your children and grandchildren.” (Deuteronomy 4:9) 

Kim and I want to live as grandparents who fulfill our biblical mandate. However, such is the case, not only for those of us who are parents and grandparents, but for each one of us who have people within our lives, especially younger ones, who need someone to guide them, invest into them, and show them what it means to live a godly life.

Let me encourage you today to be a blessing, invest in the lives of others, and see each person within your life—both within your family and outside of it—as a blessing from God. And if you are a grandparent, know that you are exceptionally blessed! 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris