Oh, the warm hugs of grandmas and grandpas! No matter what is happening in a kids’ world, there is great comfort in the loving arms of these people in our lives. I remember sitting on Grandpa’s lap for hours. We would laugh, talk, watch black and white t.v., and sometimes he would read me stories. Grandma, with her apron, would hand me a warm cookie out of the oven and let me help her set the table for dinner. So precious and so familiar.
It wasn’t long before we realized that my siblings and I could get away with a lot more with our grandparents than we could with our parents. When it came time to go to church, Grandma and Grandpa would put on their “Sunday best”, as act of respect for the Lord and going to “His house.” I do the same today. We should always give our best. Thanks, Grandpa and Grandma!
I followed my grandpa around like a little puppy dog and I loved to spend time with Grandma picking carrots and cucumbers in their garden. We would get together with our uncles, aunts, and cousins and spend a whole day playing, laughing, eating and so forth.
Today, there are millions of children who are being raised by their grandparents because their own parents are unable to care for them. It may be addictions, incarceration, divorce, or death that makes this an option for families. I HIGHLY respect grandparents who put their retirement and “golden years” aside for the sake of their families! It must be a highly difficult decision, when they consider their age, health issues, the financial ramifications, and all the details of raising children. Just the schedule of schools and activities is enough to send you to your rocking chair!
There are many things to consider and there are now some wonderful resources to help grandparents do this well. How blessed are these children to have a loving family member provide a warm, caring home to live in, even though their family is torn apart.
This Tuesday, our guest on Chained No More Talk Radio will be Connie Wills, part of the Legacy Coalition, and she will be speaking about “Raising Grandchildren Today and Other Stories.” She and her husband have raised their grandchildren and will talk about the challenges and the joys they have had. She will share about how hectic and chaotic it can be, but will also talk about how it has been, as she says, “the most unselfish thing we have ever done.” Join us LIVE on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 2pm ET at www.toginet.com. You will also be able to download the podcast later that day at www.toginet.com/shows/chainednomore.
Merry Christmas to you, whether you are with family or not. We wish you a time to reflect on the meaning of this holiday and that your heart is grateful. If your grandchildren are with you, don’t forget to remind them that over 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born and today, He will never leave them and loves them no matter what!