Happy Grandparents Day

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children. Psalm 103:17

Today we celebrate nationally grandparents. Before I began writing this devotion, I wanted to research a little bit about how this national holiday got started. The holiday was initiated by Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade. I believe she must have understood a little bit about being a grandparent because she had 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Wow! I am exhausted thinking about the family gatherings that she enjoyed!

The Legacy Projects reports that she had 3 purposes for wanting to initiate this holiday. Of course, she wanted the grandparents to be honored and give them an opportunity to show love and be loved by their grandchildren. But it is the third reason that I find to be inspirational. The third purpose was, “to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.” Oh yes fellow gray hairs, you have strength, information and guidance that you need to pass along to the younger generation. The Bible teaches us that we not only have the information but it is our responsibility to “teach what is good” and “encourage the younger women”. (Titus 2:1-5)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

I agree with Marian. It doesn’t matter if you have biological grandchildren or not. There is a younger someone in your life that can benefit from your guidance and knowledge of the Holy Spirit. Don’t hold back in sharing what you have learned from life experiences and your life time of study in God’s Word. He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. What God has brought you through and what you have learned through your experiences can help someone else. If you are not a “gray hair”, but young in age, learn all that you can from that special someone that is in your life. Take the time to listen. The lessons they have learned could save you from heartache. What they came through to the other side to understand can be an encouragement for you today.

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31

There is a steadfastness in someone that has spent a lifetime serving God. Daniel Whittle knew about assurance and faith in Jesus Christ way back in 1883 when he wrote the following lyrics:

But I know whom I have believed,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.

Love, honor, respect and spend time with a grandparent or someone that is a surrogate grandparent in your life today. They have many testimonies that will encourage and strengthen you. They can stand and testify about how God has put into action the following verse in their life.

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children beginning bread. Psalm 37:25

Pastor Julia Scott