by Patsy Norwood (c) 2025 All Rights Reserved!
2 Timothy 1:5 … when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
Grandmother … Grandmother-ing ... Grandma … Grandma-ing
What
is it and what does it look like in today’s world?
Grandma-ing
is loving on children, listening to children, baking cookies or other goodies
for children, talking with and to children, showing up and supporting children,
using your talents for children, doing things with children, encouraging
children, spending time with children, teaching children by your actions, and
when necessary - gently correcting children.
You
notice what I didn't include ... spending money on children. While money is necessary to make some of
these things happen, it's not the main thing, the main thing is time and
interest.
If
you're a grandma, are you 'grandma ... ing?'
If you're a grandma, do you have room in your heart to 'grandma’ other
children?
If
you don't have grandchildren, do you have room in your heart to ‘grandma’ other
children?
I'm
not talking about being weird and going out and doing something crazy and I'm
certainly not talking about sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. I would advise you to always proceed with
caution and prayer.
Do
you have a smile for a child, a kind word, and or an encouraging word? Our children need these things even when they
act like they don’t … remember you’re much older and wiser, so smile, be kind
and encouraging any way.
Grandma-ing
can be a seed planter for God and it starts with just talking and listening to
children with whom we come into contact.
I like to keep a little something on hand to give children if the
opportunity arises, my current 'handout’ is a Bible character card from Apologetics Press.
For
all the crafty grandmas, can you make things that children might like and have
them on hand when the opportunity to do a little ‘grandma-ing’ presents itself.
What
about praying, everyone can pray! I do a
lot of praying for children with whom I come into contact and who are in my
life. Imagine being a silent prayer
warrior for the children God brings across your path!
I
find ‘grandma-ing’ to be such a satisfying role and one that I pray God will
use to draw precious children to Him.
God
can use women who are in the grandma season of life whether one has
grandchildren or not. We have much to
offer yet.
We
“grandmas” might not be able to serve God like we once did, but there is no
retirement plan for Christians. There
are still things we can do for the Lord and if you ask me, grandma-ing, like
we’ve talked about here, is a pretty big and important role.
Lois
was able to influence Timothy for God through her actions, do our actions
influence children, whether they’re ours or not, for God?
Grandma-ing
for God ... now that's a thought!
Until the next time!
patsy @ From This Heart of Mine
~ a place for women to gather and study God's Word ~
