It is always memorable to see a mother with her first baby—the surprise and wonder in her eyes as she looks at the little toes and precious face and listens to the first sounds. All of this is treasured by the grandparents as well as they notice not only their beautiful grandbaby but also the wonder of their own “little baby” who is now a mother. Time passes so quickly!
I often wonder what it must have been like to be the grandfather of Jesus; to be Mary’s father; to see the look on her face as she gazed at her newborn son. It brings a smile to my face wondering if grandpa ever took Jesus out for pizza or a burger or played catch with him.
I recently took my grandson to White Castle. If you’re not familiar with it, White Castle is famous for its mini-sized hamburger sliders. You buy them by the bag and they are delicious! It was a delightful chance to be together and enjoy each other’s company for an afternoon. I think my grandson will always remember that I was a Cardinal fan and that I loved White Castle hamburgers. However my greatest desire is that he will remember that I loved Jesus with all my heart and that I placed my full trust in Him in both good times and bad.
As grandparents, we generally bring a broader, more seasoned perspective to tough situations. Having been through difficult times before, we are less prone to overreact to a crisis like we did when we were younger. We understand that today’s troubles are likely not “the end of the world.” Our grandchildren need to hear our stories of how God was faithful during a “tough time.” It will give them assurance that God is always here for us when difficulties come our way.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 talks about troubles being temporary. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; we do not look at things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Grandparents can remind their grandchildren that because of the love of God, “all will be well with their souls.” Things may be a mess, but God is a “mess-master.” He cleans up messes and works all things to the good.
God is the ultimate and perfect model for grandparents: seeing all, overlooking most, correcting a little, bringing hope to hopeless situations and making delicious lemonade out of the lemons of life.
That’s my Lemonade Stance.
For Discussion: What is the biggest mess God had to get you out of? How did he do it?
For Action: What grandchild’s mess is of most concern to you now? Talk to God about it.
Dave Touhill lives in Warren, New Jersey and is the grandfather of 41.