IMPRESS YOUR GRANDCHILDREN BY THE FAITH YOU LIVE

Becoming a grandparent has all the rewards of being with children, with the bonus of being able to send them home at the end of the day. One of the special ways a grandparent can make an impact on the lives of their grandchildren is by letting them see how you live a spiritual life. Your values will make their deepest impression on your grandchildren through the way you live your life.

As your grandchildren watch you go about your daily business, what do they see and hear?

Love Jesus openly. Bring Him into the open where your grandchildren can get to know Him better. By your words and actions you can convey your love for the Lord and your reliance on His unseen presence.

Express your pleasure in being God's child. Show your grandchildren that you, and they, are both children of a heavenly Father. Show your joy in living.

Listen and respond to your grandchildren' spiritual concerns. Respond as simply and honestly as you can to their queries. Make it clear that when it comes to talking about God, grandma or grandpa don't consider children's curiosity strange or stupid. Take a break, sit down, and take time to explain your answers at eye level. If your children hold different beliefs than you do, find out in advance if there are any taboo topics.

Be a role model of one who loves the Bible. It is not necessary to be "preachy" when God's Word is alive in your heart and energizing your entire existence. Let them see you read from the Bible. Buy them a version appropriate to their age (they begin with toddler's Bibles, all the way up to college age).

Pray for your grandchildren. Make it a practice to pray for them on a daily basis. Pray for their protection, even before they are born. Pray for their future mate even though they are in high school. Pray for their salvation - at all ages.

When family beliefs conflict:

Let your wise example be your lasting witness. Don't attempt to directly teach them about God. For now, your faith will be the best witness.

Respect your children's boundaries. Understand that they want the best for their children - your grandchildren - just as you do. Let your wisdom, that comes from heaven, be your guide.

Practice hospitality. Smiles, good food, and generous hospitality are practical displays of Christ's love. Sharing what you have with your children and grandchildren makes it difficult for them to withdraw into judgment or resentment. Your open door will not be quickly forgotten.

Be yourself. If mealtime blessing, morning devotions, or Bible study are a part of your life - continue it. When your grandchildren come for a visit, ask God for wisdom and discernment to guide your decisions.

Debra Evans is a mother, wife, and grandmother as well as a teacher of grandparenting classes, childbirth educator, and writer. Her books include Kindred Hearts, Christian Parenting Today Answer Book, and Beauty and the Best. She and her family make their home in Texas.
From Ready Or Not, You're A Grandparent by Debra Evans, copyright (c) 1997. Used by permission of Victor Books, an imprint of ChariotVictor Publishing, a division of Cook Communications, Colorado Springs, Colo. To place orders call toll free: 1-800-437-4337.

© 1997 vinebranch@hotmail.com

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