Grandparenting can be wonderful! It can also be stressful. It can be everything you ever hoped for, or it can be nothing like you imagined. There are those among us who can share pictures and stories about being with their grandchildren, seeing them regularly, and participating in special occasions with them. There are also those who almost never see their grandchildren due to distance or family issues. You miss celebrations, sports games, recitals, and birthday parties. Of course, there are those who also find themselves somewhere in between.

Grandparenting can be wonderful! It can also be stressful. It can be everything you ever hoped for, or it can be nothing like you imagined.

As a child growing up, we lived hours away from my grandparents. There were no cell phones and long-distance phone calls were expensive. So, while I knew my grandparents, I didn’t have a close relationship with them. All I knew was it was fun to go to their homes for special occasions, like Thanksgiving and the once-a-year summer visit. I have often wondered what it would have been like to hear their stories, to have them sit and talk with me, or learn cooking secrets from them (my one grandmother baked irresistible pies, and the other one baked the best homemade bread around). Maybe you have had a similar experience.

Fast forward to today; I have a friend who regularly posts about things her grandkids say or do that are funny. Her grandkids live within walking distance, and they pop in after school, bake with her, help with chores when needed, and spend the night “just because” they like to be at grandma’s and grandpa’s house. Perhaps you are fortunate enough to enjoy grandparenting like she does.

Perhaps like many of you, my grandchildren didn’t live close by when they were growing up. We got together whenever we could but were not involved in their daily lives. Now, they are young adults and we can text each other and connect through calls and social media. It is how we remain a part of their lives. Still, I wish I could have had more of a spiritual influence on them as they grew up.

 I have learned a lot about grandparenting over the years. I have been blessed with seven great-grandchildren (unrelated to me but very precious) who live ten minutes away. Their parents do not go to church, nor do they foster a growing faith in their children. God has allowed me to share my faith with them, take them to church regularly, have them spend the night occasionally (two at a time!), and listen to their questions. What a difference this relationship has made for all of us. I have learned we are never too old to impact a life for Jesus and no matter the situation, children need to hear they are loved and valued.

I have learned we are never too old to impact a life for Jesus and no matter the situation, children need to hear they are loved and valued.

From a distant grandparent to one who is regularly involved in the lives of great grandchildren, I share a few things I have learned.

• Figure out a way to stay connected. Call, text, facetime, write. Choose the way 

your grandchild prefers to communicate. Let them know how important they are 

to you and to God.

• If possible, arrange for visits. Nothing replaces face-to-face conversations.

• Ask your grandchildren if they wonder about anything. When I did this, my 

nine-year-old great grandson asked me questions about God. Now he just says, “Grandma, I have a question.” And he proceeds to ask about all types of things important to him.

• Get to know what makes your grandchild sad or angry, and what inspires them or 

makes them laugh. Sometimes asking the right questions brings teachable moments.

• Attend important events in your grandchild’s life. If you cannot be present, call 

them afterwards and hear them share about it. Before the event, be sure to tell 

them you are praying for their (safety, presentation, grades, whatever it might 

be).

• There’s a saying, “Grandparents: a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, a little bit 

best friend.” Work towards a relationship that builds up your grandchild’s 

self-worth and teach them godly life values.

• Remember you are not their parent. Respect their parents’ rules as much as
  possible.

As grandparents we can be a family’s greatest treasure. We can leave a legacy of unconditional love, great stories about the past, and help our grandchildren prepare for their future by providing them with a close bond that remains with them through joy-filled times and those that are the most difficult.

Of course, don’t forget as grandparents we have the privilege of mentoring! One of the things my great grandkids love to do when they come over is to play games (one of their favorites is Bible Old Man which is like Old Maid but matches biblical characters). They always look forward to cooking breakfast and later making cookies. Yes, we get flour on the floor sometimes and occasionally a little spilled milk on the counter, but we have fun and make memories. Find ways to make memories.

Beyond all these things, one is most important. We find an example in words penned by Paul in 2 Timothy. Paul was writing to Timothy, and he recognized the importance of a godly legacy Timothy had experienced. He wrote, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5, NIV).  As grandparents we have a divine responsibility to share God’s love. A legacy of faith is truly the most important gift we can give to our grandchildren.