Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.
Grandpas are cool no matter what. At least, I thought my maternal grandfather was cool in spite of all his imperfections. Unfortunately, he was the only grandparent I really ever got to know, because the all others lived far away or died early.
I grew up in what I would call an extended family. There were grandparents, siblings and nieces around all the time. My maternal grandmother died at our house after having a stroke. Then, my maternal grandfather moved in. Growing up with grandpa added a lot to my life. He always had a funny story or riddle to tell. He was a big, burley man who worked in the sawmill as a millwright. I looked up to him. He was tough; a codger at times. He was witty, at least to a young child. Some images that remain in my mind are of him sitting in a rocker reading his Bible and attending Sunday School and worship services together. I remember riding in his old car and sitting around the table with him eating meals. I remember sleeping in the same bed with him, because there just weren’t enough beds or bedrooms to go around for each to have his or her own.
Grandparents have a wonderful opportunity to influence their grandchildren. Timothy’s grandmother had an influence on him. Paul reminded Timothy of this. I can’t help but wonder why his grandpa isn’t mentioned.
2 Timothy 1:3-6 (NKJV)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy,
5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy,
5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Grandparents have a biblical mandate to influence their grandchildren for good.
Deuteronomy 4:1,9 (NKJV)
1 "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you.
9 "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.
1 "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you.
9 "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.
I am a grandpa now, although removed from them by distance. What can I do to influence them to love and obey God? I can:
- Pray for them
- Pray for their parents
- Pray for their other set of grandparents
- Share my faith with them
- Demonstrate Christian virtue around them
- Read the Bible and pray with them
- Give them wholesome gifts for birthdays, Christmas, etc
- Talk to them
- Spend time with them
- Love them
Are you a cool grandpa or grandma? 02-24-09
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