Children's Children

I have been thinking lately about the special relationship grandparents have with their grandchildren. Last Saturday, Lozanne and I were blessed with a very rare day. We spent time with all eight of our grandchildren. We were surprised and delighted to receive a visit from our three granddaughters who live a considerable distance away. They were driving with their mother by our home on their return trip home following attendance at a funeral. Later the same day, we attended my birthday party where all five of our grandsons were in attendance. It was a very special day indeed.

If you are a grandparent, you are very aware of the phenomenon. Grandparents and grandchildren enjoy a very special bond. The relationship with one’s own children is a more complex one since it involves or involved parenting. Discipline and guidance are or were an issue and rightfully so. Our grandchildren have no need whatsoever for another set of parents. The result is a special relationship that transcends the generations. They understand us and we understand them. The bond of love is quite simply instant and just is. I believe that the special relationship we enjoy with our grandchildren is clearly a gift from God. It is a blessing that in most instances is without complexities and parental responsibilities. I have to be forgiven for quietly enjoying a little manipulative misbehaviour which I realize in maturity is of little consequence.

Psalm 128 describes the blessings that result from simply being a believer. What appears to be very worldly blessings can also be interpreted as spiritual as well. We are blessed through our relationship with Jesus now and into eternity. One of the blessings listed is seeing our children’s children. Only a grandparent can understand the importance of verse 6.

1 ¶ A Song of Ascents. Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.
2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life.
6 Yes, may you see your children’s children…

(Comments, corrections, suggestions or rebuttals are welcome. My email link is contained in “About me: view my complete profile” to the right of this page or use the comment section below which requires that you have a Google account.)