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I grew up as a military brat, which meant that I never lived near my grandparents. Fortunately, this didn't stop my parents and grandparents from doing things to make sure we had a great relationship with them.
My mom's parents made a trip to see us every year, no matter where we were. They helped us create some great memories growing up.
Whenever they came to visit, we often traveled to see whatever area we were stationed in. Once, we took a motorhome trip to Alaska. I distinctly remember playing the 8-track of Barbara Mandrell over and over again and singing it at the top of my lungs. My parents were irritated, but my grandparents insisted that I could keep playing it. I also remember singing “You are my sunshine” loudly and with gusto with them.
We played lots of games when they visited and we laughed and laughed. When I went to college, they came to every Family Day weekend because my parents were too far away. My grandma sent me the best banana bread. Whenever I got a package in the mail from her, every girl in the dorm would come running and would ask, “Is it your grandma's banana bread?”
They loved me so unconditionally, and I knew it. My grandfather passed away a few years ago and I miss him terribly, but my grandma is still around and it is so fun to see her interact now with my children.
My dad's parents were unable to travel as often, so they didn't visit all the time. They did, however, keep in touch through letters, packages, and phone calls. We visited them whenever we could. My grandma got me my first Cabbage Patch Doll and I was so excited! She also then sent packages to my doll every year on her birthday.
My brother and I were fortunate enough to spend one summer with them, when another family member was ill, and it was an incredible blessing. We had sleepovers with my cousins, listened to my grandpa's jokes about electricity (he was an engineer), and enjoyed all the good baking and cooking from my grandma.
Unfortunately, my grandma passed away when I was in middle school. My grandpa later remarried. When I was in college they would come up and visit me often and take me out to dinner and just check in. They came to all my concerts – they were so proud. I've lost them as well, but am so glad that they had a chance to meet my children.
As I write this, my daughter is upstairs “FaceTiming” her grandma. I hear lots and lots of giggles. My children have been so blessed by the roles their grandparents play in their lives. Both of them have been so intentional about making incredible memories with my children. My children always want to talk to their grandparents to share news and they can't wait to see them when they visit.
Most importantly, they always know that, in their grandparents' eyes, they are extraordinary and loved beyond measure. This is the great blessing to me of seeing my parents and my in-laws be grandparents to my own children.
I am convinced there is no better example of God's love than the love we witness between grandchildren and their grandparents. It is freely given, absolutely unconditional, and so beautifully extravagant. Grandparents have a huge role to play in passing on wisdom, love, and faith to their children and their grandchildren.
Think about some intentional ways to include grandparents on your children's faith journey – or, if you are a grandparent, consider doing some of the following things for your grandchildren.
1. Have grandparents write a note in your child's bible that includes their favorite bible verse.
2. Have grandparents write a letter to their grandchildren about why their faith is important to them and encouraging them on their faith journey (bonus points if it is handwritten).
3. Sit down with grandparents and talk about family history/ family tree (and write it down!). Read about family trees in the Bible.
4. Have kids and grandparents pray for each other – if you don't live close, have kids and grandparents text/call/e-mail each other once a week with requests.
Do you have unique ways to keep grandparents involved in your children's lives? Tell us about them!
