I have been given the perfect Christmas gift. I became a grandmother to the sweetest little boy and I’m truly in love.
The beauty and pain of childbirth brings to mind how hard we work to have a baby and how much love it takes. Understanding what your child is going through makes me thoughtful about my future as a grandmommy.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve felt the nesting urge. It may be common to everyone, but I dreamed often about my desire to create a grandmommy nest. This precious baby isn’t mine, but I love him as if he was. In my mind, I have been creating wishes and goals.
Grandmommy goals for me are based on what I think God wants for me.
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6
I am 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. 2 Timothy 1:5
In the Old and New Testament, God reminds me that grandchildren are a unique and precious blessing. He also shows me that grandparents have a responsibility to share their faith with the grandchildren and disciple them in the ways of the Lord.
My goals and desires as a grandmommy:
Child-proof home filled with cheerful colors – Because I know that we’ll be moving in the near future, I hope to create a home filled with more color. I would love for my home to be welcoming to children, and not just adults.
Books are better than television – Keeping great books down at their level to enjoy. Although children love television and video games, I hope to read to them often and encourage a love of reading.
Story-telling helps to make memories – When children are young, they love to listen to stories of the old days. I hope to tell them about when grandmommy was a little girl. Telling stories about how Jesus loved me and saved me will be my favorite thing to do.
Activities with them – My vision of being a grandmommy was always in the kitchen (wearing an apron), baking with the children. Nothing was more fun than teaching my daughter to cook and watching her bloom as a great cook and baker. Making a big mess with sugar and sprinkles is my dream!
Listening to them as they grow – Children often talk nonstop about things we don’t even understand. It’s terribly important to stop and listen. Putting a child on my lap and listening to their words is one of my goals. Then, as they grow older, I hope to listen to their concerns. In this way, I can be a big part of their lives, and hopefully guide them to follow Christ.
There are so many things I hope to share and experience with my grandchildren. My ministry at this season of life is to be a mentor and teacher. It will be so easy because I love them so much.
So, even though my first grandchild is only a few days old, I hope to be the best grandmommy for him. I will pray for him and me to follow Christ each day.
A grandmother’s special calling is to pray and to be a fellow worker in the battle which her children or her grandchildren are engaged. (Elizabeth Elliot)