Grand Love!

Hello,
 
At Dogwood, the church is definitely oriented toward the family.  And the role of a grandparent is part of that.  We've all heard the add:  "This is not your grandpa's Oldsmobile".  And that was followed by,  this is not your grandpa's this or that or the other.  Well, let me say, this is not your grandpa's generation.  Grandparents today are not the same as your grandparents.  Do you know that every day in the U.S. four thousand people become first-time grandparents, and their average age is forty-seven?  They are buying more and baking less, they are computing more and crocheting less.  Many have replaced their writing tables , where they composed their handwritten letters and post cards, with desk tops or lap tops, phone texting or twittering.  This "Baby-Boomer" generation has had a profound influence on our society throughout the years, and they should have a godly influence in the grand parenting years.
 
Think with me:  If the average first-time grandparent is forty-seven years old, he or she can expect to continue to be a grandparent for approximately thirty to forty years.  Think of the positive influence that these people can have on their extended family, whether they live in the same house, down the street or across the country.  If God has blessed the grandkids with wonderful parents, who are their primary teachers and coaches, that's great.  But the grandparent is given the task of showing them that a lifetime of faith can really carry a person through to the end and ultimately enable one to finish the race strong and well.  Grandma and Grandpa, let them see that Christ is first in your life; that you are abiding in Him, step by step, moment by moment, and day by day.  Convey that message to them by every technique you have available. 
 
Let's you and me ask ourselves:  What kind of spiritual inheritance am I passing on to my grandchildren?  What will be my spiritual legacy to them?  What difference am I really giving to them?  Grandparenthood is not just another phase of life that you fall into; it truly is a sacred calling!
 
"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy majesty, and thy wondrous works.  And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.  They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness."  Psalm 145:4-7
 
 God bless all you grandparents and all you grandparent "wanabes", and remember that you are loved!!!

Henry