Do you think Grandparenting is the Best of two Worlds?

For many, becoming a grandparent for the first time is an incredible feeling. You’re holding a new little life, and you’re the person able to shower this little individual with love. It’s a beautiful feeling. And as your grandchild grows, you’re ready to play, teach, and nurture in a way different from the way you raised your children. You, as grandparents, have experience with childrearing, and you’ve learned from your mistakes as a parent. It’s the best of both worlds. 

The Bible speaks confidently about the role and importance of grandparents in a grandchild’s life. As Proverbs 17:5 states, “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” As you grow older, you’re able to watch your children grow up, and now you’re privileged to watch your grandchildren be born. 

When Ruth married Boaz, “Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse.” The word nurse here refers to becoming his caregiver. Here was a woman who loved her daughter-in-law so much, she cared for her son, even though he wasn’t biologically related to her. How wonderful for that little boy to be so loved by a grandmother-like figure! 

Not just grandmothers in the Bible shower their grandchildren with love. Upon his departure, “Laban arose and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned home.” Genesis 31:55. From the Old Testament times, loving your grandchildren has been a natural response.

Yet, even as grandparents, there is more to your role than cuddling and loving on your sweet grandbaby. Consider 2 Timothy 1:5, where Paul reminds Timothy of his Christian heritage with “a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” Timothy’s grandmother played a vital role in his life and influenced his Christian faith very strongly. As grandparents, you have the opportunity to be teaching your grandchildren even more about your Christian faith, just like Lois taught Eunice and Timothy. 

As grandparents, we’re doubly blessed with the love and care of a Heavenly Father, and the ability to love and care for our grandchildren. May you instruct them, so they too can know the joy of your faith.

Guest author bio: Amelia Evans is a freelance writer and works as a content manager for various international brands.  When Amelia is not researching and writing she loves nothing more than heading out into the country for some downtime. Amelia is currently writing for Be in Health.