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 ~
