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But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children (Psalm 103:17, ESV).
I’m blessed to have twins, Gabby and Gwyn, as granddaughters. They look exactly alike, and I, as their OG or Old Guy (that’s what they call me), often get them confused.
Recently, my daughter Emily (mother of Gabby and Gwyn), picked up the twins from the babysitter. After they were seatbelted in the car, and Emily began to drive away, Gabby said, “I don’t like Poppy anymore.”
This concerned Emily as Poppy had been her friend at the babysitter for years, so she asked Gabby, “Why don’t you like Poppy anymore?” To which Gabby quickly answered, “Because Poppy is a liar.” Not passing over this revelation, Emily said, “Why do you say Poppy is a liar?” Gabby replied, “Because Poppy said that I ate her food and I didn’t.”
To which Gwyn quickly added, “Poppy is a liar, because I ate her food!”
HHHHMMMHHM — Poppy is not able to tell the twins apart either.
I appreciate my grandchildren for many reasons, not only for providing great illustrations in my writing and preaching, but also for enjoying the following differences between grandparenting and parenting.
The differences between parenting and grandparenting:
My grandchildren live under two covenants. With their parents, it’s Old Testament law. When they are with me, they experience New Testament freedom. Parents need to say “no,” while grandparents only say “yes.”
One grandmother recently told me, “My grandchildren have a different citizenship when they come to my house!”
A difference in asking…
My six grandchildren are now of the age that I’m getting a renewed opportunity for attending basketball and soccer games — and I love attending their games. My pre-game warm-up is to check my wallet and make sure I have plenty of five- and ten-dollar bills, as I’m my grandchildren’s major supplier of funds for snacks and drinks.
An OG’s wallet ready for a basketball game.
Recently, my grandson Colin walked by his mother to ask me for money for concessions at a basketball game. I rejoiced inside because grandparents give and give, and the grandchildren should know this and learn quickly.
The OG version of Matthew 7:9-11 goes like this…
Every grandchild who asks receives. If a grandson or granddaughter asks me for a donut, M&M’s, or a hot dog, I shall give it. If a grandson or granddaughter asks me for a new basketball or the latest basketball shoe, I shall give it.
A difference in praying…
Godly grandparents know how to pray and have the time to do so.
Realizing that Megan and Chris, along with Emily and Jason (parents of my grandchildren), have to balance their jobs, drive kids constantly to differing locations, fix meals, clean their houses, and hopefully enjoy some personal time, prayer gets lost in the shuffle.
Into this gap comes praying grandparents, as we have more time and more prayer experience. Despite our overly generous “New Testament” relationships with our grandchildren, we know that the devil prowls about seeking someone to devour, but he should have difficulty stalking our grandchildren because of our prayers.
My summation of grandparenting — praying and paying!