Both sets of my grandparents are divorced and remarried (some of them several times!). I never had that big-family, loving-grandparent thing in my life. My children, on the other hand are beyond blessed with two sets of grandparents who both love Jesus and are still married to each other! I totally consider this a miracle!
My parents and my in-laws are devoted to their grand-children, spoiling them mercilessly with gifts and candy. But also with love and direction to the Lord. What a blessing they have been to us and to our children! When I really think about the fact that my kids have two sets of God-honoring, loving grandparents, I am just overwhelmed with thankfulness!
My niece, Lydia and Asa at Camp Primo last month
A few weeks ago, my parents took my children and my niece to Camp Primo. That’s their yearly cousin-grandparent camp. They have Camp T-shirts, a parent program at the end of the weekend and even a camp theme song! It’s the real deal. And every minute the kids spend with their grandparents, they are being loved on and pointed to the Lord. It’s such a strong tether my parents are tying between themselves and my children!
The kids in a wheelbarrow at the pumpkin farm today!
Today we spent the day with the other set of grandparents. We went to a pumpkin farm and to an apple orchard! We ate good food, went on a hayride and just enjoyed each other’s company. The kids love being with their grandparents–snuggling with them, laughing and talking. I love that they have a huge group of godly role models in their lives!
If you don’t have grandparents or family members around you to encourage you in parenting, or your kids in loving God, seek out some older adults in your church. Find some people who would be willing to eat dinner at your house every once in awhile, or come to your kid’s ballet recital or just go to lunch after church on Sunday. It will be a blessing for everyone involved!
Sometimes it’s hard to give up control of your kids to grandparents, family members or other people in your life. But when you find God-fearing people who love your kids as much as you do, let them pour into your children! Let your kids learn from them and receive their love, too. It will only enhance the picture of God’s love in your kids’ hearts and minds!
