Relationships

One of the most important things about being alive is the relationships we have with those around us. The most fundamental of these relationships is family ties. I am so fortunate to have a good connection with all four of my children and their spouses. It’s wonderful to be blessed with godly sons and daughters. Some cannot say that, so I don’t take it for granted.

Another important relationship for me is being a grandma. I loved both of my grandmothers when I was young. And my children loved their grandparents, too. Our daughter married a young man who never knew his grandparents, so he thought it was remarkable that she knew all four of hers. It’s really a special relationship when you stop to think about it.

Grandparents joke about the advantage of being a grandparent over being a parent is that you can enjoy the children for a while and then send them home. I know – some grandparents are called upon to actually raise their grandchildren, but that’s not the norm. I recently met my most recent great-grandchild. She and her mom (our granddaughter) came to visit from Colorado. Oh, I didn’t want to send them home. They are so dear!

Here’s something that may sound strange. I actually feel sorry for God on one account. He has never, nor will He ever be a grandmother. A father – yes. But a grandparent – no. However, having God as my Father is the most important relationship I could ever have. “Before the world was made, God decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. This was what God wanted, and it pleased him to do it (Ephesians 1:5, ESV). I hope that every day I can make Him happy that He chose me to be His child.

Getting back to grandparenting, though, I will never forget the day I became a grandma. I was travelling to sing at a concert, and received the news at my hotel. I was so excited and inspired that I wrote a song about it. It’s not my typical style, but it was a fun change of pace. Now, with eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren (and more on the way), the thrill of this special relationship hasn’t diminished. I hope that if you don’t have grandchildren, you adopt some. There are always little ones who would benefit from your love. Can’t we all enjoy being with children?

“Grandma Song” from “Singing On”