The Encourager asked several grandparents just what is the best thing about being a grandparent. They all had plenty to say.
Wray and Frank Gregory
There are so many great things about being a grandparent. We especially love it when they tell us about things they are doing – we receive such joy from hearing about what brings them pleasure. Vacations, special trips, holidays – everything is more fun when the grandchildren are there. We’ve seen each one accept the Lord as their Savior and the spiritual blessing of that is unbelievable. To know that our children, their spouses, and all the grandchildren love the Lord brings extra love to everything we do.
Karyn and Don Wilton
Karyn and I love being grandparents! What I love so much is the very special connection with this brand new little person. When I look into his face as a grandparent, I can see more clearly than ever before, the depth of the past from where he came and the potential of the future to where he is headed. The smile that pours out of his eyes and the sounds that come from his soul draw me in to a zone of deep and abiding gratitude for all the Lord has done for us. Being a grandparent is really terrific!? I love it!
Linda and John Gilden
We heard it many times before we realized the validity of the statement – “There is nothing like being a grandparent!” Seeing physical characteristics of your family in a tiny person is amazing but seeing the spiritual characteristics of our Heavenly Father every time you look at his or her face is awesome. Grandparenting is fun! But knowing that you are pouring yourself into someone else’s life is a big responsibility. We want to be sure to teach them good things and that everything we do points them to Him.
Lib and Phil Bailey
A little more than seventeen years ago we were introduced to our first grandchild and this number has increased to eight since that first one came along. What a joy these children have brought into our lives. We are so blessed because all four of our daughters and their husbands live close around us and are members and attend FBS. When we think about all the love and togetherness shared as a family we cannot help but think what Solomon has to say about grandparents. In Proverbs 17:6a he writes that ‘Children’s children are a crown to the aged” and we gladly wear that crown with a heart filled with thanksgiving. God has truly blessed us in giving us the privilege to be addressed as Nana and Poppa Phil.
Pat and Frank Dillard
Children are fun, challenging; and a wonderful joy. But, grandchildren are just awesome. When each of our children was born, we remember feeling as though we could not love anyone more than our son Britt and then our daughter Terri. However, when they had children, our hearts truly overflowed. They were and are fun to play with, fun to nurture, fabulous to love, and great to spoil!
We are so grateful to see our children raising fine young women and men, expressing values we hoped we helped instill, young men and women who have their feet planted firmly on solid ground. But, our greatest joy beyond all else is seeing young lives well-grounded in their Christian faith who unashamedly profess their love for Jesus Christ.
What’s great about being a grandparent? The incomparable pride and joy in our children and their spouses, Canella and Trey, for raising precious grandchildren!
JoEvelyn and Carroll Cox
Being hands-on grandparents has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives. Our four children, their spouses, and sixteen grandchildren have always lived within a mile or two of us so we have the privilege of attending school events, graduations, and sports games. You could say we celebrate every time we are together. Christmas is especially memorable when everyone moves in with us for a few days. Yes, our house may be short on extra space those days but full of love, laughter, and fun.
One of our greatest joys has been to see each of our grandchildren walk down the aisle and ask Jesus into his or her heart. Nothing can top this! We have watched them in discipleship, study God’s Word, and heard them pray beautiful prayers.
In May of this year we began a new journey when Molly Ann Bramhall was born, our first great-grandchild. God is so good and faithful. We are so thankful for our church and all of the wonderful leadership our children and grandchildren have had. We are blessed.
Mildred Neely
The joy of being a grandparent comes in seeing my grandchildren’s smiling faces, talking to them, sharing hugs, and knowing they’ve grown up to be fine young adults. I hope to leave them a legacy of love and faith.