Special Feature
It is a documented fact. Today’s grandparents are more intellectually curious, tech-savvy, physically active, and creative than a generation ago. Dr. Gene Cohen states in his book The Creative Age, “Studies of aging are showing that the potential for creative expression in the 2nd half of life is not the exception but the rule. Creative expression occurs not despite aging but because of aging.”
When Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus and said in Ephesians 2:10, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them,” the age of his audience was never specified. Every age is applied! As our grandchildren return to their learning environments, grandparents should lead the way to the joy of learning and of being a life-long student.
As a grandparent consider:
- Never stop dreaming. Never stop setting goals or planning personal and family adventures.
- Gather and create a resource of beloved books to pass on to children and grandchildren.
- Learn a new interest. Take a course of study. Learn a new hobby.
- Travel to new places – near and far.
For the grandchild consider:
- Join or start a moms/grandmoms prayer group. Go to www.momsinprayer.org for information.
- Volunteer to read in your grandchild’s classroom or school library.
- Create a field trip matching what your grandchild is learning. Visit historical locations or museums.
- Find out what they may be learning in history, science, or biology then research further to generate discussion.
- Support your grandchild’s teacher. Send encouraging notes and prayerful thoughts.
- Volunteer to help with a craft or party around a holiday or special event.
- Offer Carpool and after-school care. A great resource for car time can be found at www.backseatbiblenuggets.com.
Whether homeschool, private or public education, the intentional Christian grandparent has a great deal to contribute to the balance and health of our grandchildren. Our families need us now more than ever as we navigate the educational systems of our culture. The enemy’s attacks against our children persist to waylay our families and God’s moral foundations. Grandparents can make a difference in their student life. Step up and step into your grandchildren’s education this school year. Don’t forget! Sunday, September 10, 2023 is National Grandparent Day- a call for Christian grandparents to pray and stand in the gap for their grandchildren and future generations.
-Cynthia Moss
Director of GrandLife-Grandparenting Ministry of Shades Mountain Baptist Church
