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. 2 Timothy 1: 5, NIV.
Holy Father, we need Your divine wisdom to fully understand, and wisely apply, the things we will learn as we sit at Your feet today. In the holy name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Yesterday, we began talking about the members of our extended families. Our devotional was based on the relationship between mothers, and daughters, in-law. Today, we will be considering grandparents. I believe that only a grandparent can understand a grandparent. I look at grand-parenting as a second chance that God gives to parents! Perhaps that is a dangerous way to look at it, because we might want to assume responsibilities that belong only to the parents!
There is not much said about grandmother Lois, in our verse for today. But what is said, is enough to show how the influence of grandparents can be felt in successive generations. Apparently, grandma Lois’ faith was extraordinary! Paul was reminded of it, when he observed Timothy’s faith. This faith was passed on from generation to generation. Grandma Lois passed it on to Eunice, Timothy’s mother, who in turn, passed it on to Timothy.
It is possible that you have heard the saying: “God has no grandchildren.” In other words, all who come to God, must come as sons and daughters (John 1: 12, 13). So what do I mean when I say that this extraordinary gift of faith “was passed on from generation to generation?” Our experience with Christ is first hand experience. It is not inherited. Therefore, what I am talking about, is, the power of example. Those of us who had the privilege of growing up with grandparents, no doubt have memories, that have left their imprint on our lives forever! The way we do certain things are almost the carbon copy of the way grandma or grandpa did them!
Unfortunately, not all grandparents, or parents, leave examples that are worthy of emulation. But how wonderful, when we hear of the examples left by people like grandma Lois! Grandparents, many of us learned by trial and error, how to be parents. By the time we became grandparents, we had learned a bit more. But we still are not perfect. Now it is our children’s time to learn, most likely, also, by trial and error, to be parents. Let us step to the side and allow them to do the best they can. A word of advice, from time to time, after prayer, might be in order. But let us not try to wrest from them their role as parents. Give them space to learn and grow.
Many of us, as grandparents can stay close enough, in case we are needed; and like grandma Lois, live the virtues we would like to pass on to our grands, and through them, to “thousands who love the LORD” (Exodus 20: 6). Lois was obviously a fine mom, who produced a wonderful daughter, who raised a great son! The obvious ingredient of success was faith! We all have access to this gift, because God has given to all, a “measure of faith” (Romans 12: 3). Let us use it wisely, as we take advantage of this “second chance” that God has given us! Even if we did not make the “best parents” list, we can be the very best grandparents possible, by His grace!
NOTE: These counsels are shared from a Biblical, not a clinical, perspective.