Grandparents’ Day

“Grandparents’ Day” in the United States was instituted by presidential proclamation on September 6, 1979, and occurs each September on the first Sunday. In Singapore it is celebrated on every fourth Sunday of November. It is for the families to take the time to acknowledge the grandparents’ contribution to the families, and to honour them in big and small ways. This event has been celebrated in Singapore for the last 12 years. While this special tribute to our parents’ parents may not be familiar to many, one must admit it’s a well-thought of idea.

What the Bible says about grandparents?

The words “grandparent” and “grandfather” do not appear in the King James Version of the Bible. Young’s Analytical Concordance lists the word “grandmother” only once (2 Timothy 1:5). The Bible does recognise the role play by the grandparents in the family. There are numerous references to “children’s children” (Joel 1:2, 3; Psalm 78:5,6). “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children…” (Proverb 13:22). The value of godly grandparents is seen in the life of Timothy, Paul’s son in the gospel. While Timothy was responsible for his conversion, the seed of faith was first sown in his heart by his grandmother, Lois and his mother, Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). When we have more grandmothers like Lois, there will be more young men like Timothy.

The need for godly grandparents

The need for godly grandparents has never been greater. We live in a society filled with electronic devices that tend to destroy our children physically, morally and spiritually. There are children often left unattended with only the television and the computer serving as babysitters. Hours of violence, sex, profanity and immorality can have a devastating effect upon these impressionable minds.

Child abuse is also a major problem. I have read of maids torturing and abusing young children when their parents are not at home. Here is where grandparents can step in and create opportunities to meet this need. Now we have grandparents bringing their grandchildren to the services of the church. Their desire has been to supply that which is not given by the parents. Surely God does not overlook the loving care and concern shown by these godly grandparents.

In Singapore and around the world, grandparents play many roles, from caregiver, chauffeur and disciplinarian, to counsellor, storyteller and family historian to their grandchildren. They fill the parenting gap in ways we cannot enumerate, and play a vital part in the health of the economy by enabling parents to go to work every day with peace of mind. Many studies show that involved grandparents positively impact the development of grandchildren.

The role of grandparents

Grandparenting gives older people the opportunity to stay active and involved in the family, which gives an added sense of purpose to their lives. Grandchildren who stay connected with grandparents in a wholesome relationship have great advantages over those who do not. The grandchildren learn about their roots. They discover that the retired grandparents have all the time to listen with interest than their busy working parents. In quite unhurried moments, questions about faith and life are answered from the knowledge of experience. In these ways, grandparents pass on their faith while helping build confidence and self-worth. What the grandchildren learnt from the grandparents will help them to develop lasting relationships with people of different age groups in their adulthood years.

The major role of grandparents is to live a godly life; and through this means reinforce what is verbally taught about purity, honesty, truthfulness, modesty and proper language. The fundamentals of Christianity, of which so many young people are ignorant today, can be implanted also by godly grandparents.

Another key role is to set a standard of moral living in an immoral world. They are moral compass.

Here’s how you can help build character in the next generation:

• Contagious faith – Show them how to trust in God and make Him the focus of their life.
• Consistent integrity – Show them how to do the right thing even when no one is looking.
• Practical poise – Show them how to maintain balance in their relationships, passions and principles.
• Personal discipline – Show them the power of self-denial and self-control to achieve what they want.
• Steadfast endurance – Show them how to keep going when everyone is telling them to give up.
• Inspirational courage – Show them how to face down their fears and do the right thing regardless of the price.

All grandparents should resolve to spend more quality time with their grandchildren. You need them and they need you. Do this before it is too late. You will be helping to shape and mould their lives into what God would have them to be. You will also be creating precious memories that will last a lifetime.

Realize that becoming a grandparent isn’t just another phrase of your life. It is a God-given calling. Take full advantage of the great opportunity to influence another generation of children in your family. View your investment in your grandchildren as one of the best investments opportunities you’ll ever have.