Have you wondered how you can connect with your grandchildren while also connecting them to God? Here are two techniques to do both of those things.
Teachable Moments
Teachable moments are those times that just appear. Let’s be prepared to be intentional in maximizing the potential of them for God’s glory and our grandchildren’s good.
I remember watching our 3-year-old grandson crouch down on the sidewalk mesmerized by the tiniest ant carrying his tremendous morsel of food on his back. Our grandson watched and followed until he lost him in the grass. The wonder in his face spoke volumes, bringing me to remember the awe of God’s creation. It led to conversations about how great God is and how He made everything. I shared how much He loves us and cares for us. We sat in the grass and thanked God for His great gifts.
This was the start of many more days, relishing and enjoying God’s creation together. We watched clouds go by, listened to the songs of various birds; and tried our hand at catching butterflies. While I saw life anew through the eyes of a grandson, I sought passionately to open his eyes to The One who created him. My prayer is that he would see his life through the eyes of God.
Often these teachable moments come through difficult or tragic happenings that show the preciousness and precariousness of life. These moments are a call to action, often accompanied by a change of course. They may shape, define, or fine-tune your grandchild’s view of self or identity. As grandparents, we need to be available to help them navigate these troubled waters.
These moments could be times your grandchild is struggling and wrestling with God and His will for their lives. Or times your grandchild sits back and ponders all the things that are happening, those sacred moments of contemplative heart searching and seeking. They could also be moments that bring your grandchild face to face with their life circumstances which they do not like. Help them surrender to the One who knows best.
Refining moments come as those rough times in our lives. Those times where the question of trusting God no matter what comes up, like, “Why did you get cancer, Grandad?” or “Why is life so painful, hurtful, and unfair at times?” Refining moments
are those times your grandchild had a plan, then God showed up and changed everything. Each of your grandchildren will experience a variety of these moments — so be there for them. Be willing to be vulnerable as you share how God carried you through your moments, highlighting God’s faithfulness and great love.
Relationship Building Times
As you embrace the unique, significant role you can play in your grandchildren’s lives, get involved. One way is through spending concentrated times together.
Grandparents have held VBS-style camps or Cousin camps where the grandchildren come and spend the week together. Consider a special trip with your young grandteens where you can build into their lives in a more dedicated fashion. These two examples would take planning and preparation but can yield a lifetime of blessings.
Even everyday moments can be powerful times to build your relationship with them as you store away cherished memories that can make a lasting impact. How many memories do you have of your grandparents? My memories center around playing hide and seek in their backyard, picking apples from their apple tree, making jam and jellies, and eating soup together. The laughter still rings in my ears and the smells waft before my nose.
As grandparents, we have the time, experience, and wisdom to sit and listen. We build that connection to our grandchildren stronger as we purposefully listen and seek to understand them. We can be that sounding board while offering support and guidance. These times of influence could come as you make a meal together or build a birdhouse.
Additionally, holidays can be great times to build your grandchildren’s connection to you and your family as you pass on your traditions. A special addition to holiday celebrations could be to say a blessing over each grandchild before or after the meal. Base it on the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24-26. It is the idea of speaking God’s favor and grace upon each grandchild. It is a powerful picture of God’s love and our love for our grandchildren.
Each of these memorable moments help cement your grandchildren’s place in your family history. Additionally, these connections allow your grandchildren to experience your faith and the faith of their ancestors. May God bless you as you seek to connect with your grandchildren while also connecting them to God.
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