“Grandparents are God’s gift to children and to the world. They mentor, model, and minister to people of all ages and in all stages of life.” — Richard Bimler
Frank Fain
On Aug. 3, 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the First Sunday of September, after Labor Day, to be the United States National Grandparents’ Day. President Carter said, “This Day was to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”
Image by Dan/Kelli Oakley from Pixabay
You who are blessed to have grandchildren should start Grandparents’ Day in prayer, thanking God for making you his gift to your children and grandkids. Also, recommit yourself to be a mentor, educator, supporter, friend, and minister to your family.
May I also suggest grandparents take 2019 Grandparents’ Day as a day you share your Christian faith with your grandkids?
- Invite your grandkids to join you in this Sunday’s worship service. Tell family members the things you like in worship and how it helps you grow in your faith.
- Before the day, tell your adult children you will share your testimony and ask them to share their faith that day.
- Ask Christian grandkids to share with everyone how they became a Christian.
- Tell your grandkids how and when you became a Christian. Who led you to the Lord Jesus? How old were you? How did your parents, family, and friends react to you becoming a Christian?
- Tell them about your baptism. Was it in a church building baptistry, or in a stream, lake, swimming pool, ocean, or maybe a stock tank, like I was baptized in at the High Point Baptist church?
- Share what you know about your parents, grandparents, and other family members’ Christian faith. Remember you are your previous family members’ key communicator to your kids and grandkids.
- Also tell them your favorite Christian songs, book of the Bible and memorized Bible verses.
As you consider making Grandparent’s Day a Share Your Faith Day, may I remind you of 2 Timothy 1: 4b-5: “I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and I am persuaded now lives in you also” (emphasis added).
Frank Fain is director of educational services at The Baptist Home in Arcadia Valley, Mo.
