Parental Guidance Suggested

     In 2011 two of our married children had their first baby, which made my husband and I the proud grandparents of the most wonderful, beautiful little boys we could ever imagine. Carson and Micah are their names and wrapping PopPop and Meme around their proverbial finger is their game. All your life you hear how great it is being a grandparent. People say silly things like "If I would have known how much fun grandchildren were I would have had them first." I have to say these corny cliches are ever so true. Would you like to see pictures of our precious gems, hear stories perhaps of their incredible above average achievements? We are aptly prepared!

     We spent the better part of 25 years becoming strong enough to stand firm with our own three growing children, only to become instant mush-balls in the presence of two toddling grandsons! How did that happen? We certainly worked hard for all those years teaching, disciplining and loving our kids. Now, I cringe at the mere thought of saying "no" to these sweethearts. I've pondered at what caused this transformation in my parental form. Typically one might say that it is the opportunity to love unconditionally without the responsibility of parenting. There may be some truth in that, however, even though the parental responsibility for our grandsons falls squarely on the shoulders of their mama's and daddy's, their Meme and PopPop have some important responsibilities of our own regarding the growth and development of these little ones hearts and minds.

     In a sense children are like little league baseball players. And parents are the coaches. A coach is there to teach, guide and direct them as they are learning to become the best they can. Then as grandparents we get to be a bit more like cheerleaders, encouraging them with great enthusiasm, proudly displaying that we are on their team...win or lose! And occasionally getting the privilege to be called in by the coaches for special consults. "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

     As a Christian our responsibility toward one another is quite similar. In fact Jesus left us a specific guideline for how He wants this carried out. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 . Teaching others requires you to be have some knowledge about what you are teaching. And in the case of the Christian life that means getting to know The Creator God.This is the purpose for which we were created. Have you met Jesus? Do you want to know Him better? It's a journey like that of a parent and child. He wants to be your Father, to teach, guide and love you through this life. He is available; always.