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Last night after spending three days with the Department of Health I was given the opportunity to unwind by babysitting with my local grandsons. After I put them to bed I sang for awhile which is my usual habit. The youngest, 23 months, would say, "mo pease", as soon as I finished one song so I sang for a good while and finally said, "O.K. this is the last one", and sang the 23rd Psalm. When I finished the four year old said, Why are the pastures green and the waters quiet?" I answered, "because this is a song about a man who is taking care of sheep and he gives them what they need. Sheep need green grass to eat and quiet water to drink so the shepherd takes them where they can get what they need. Jesus is like that shepherd. He gives you what you need. He gives you a mamma and daddy to love you and take care of you, a house to live in, toys to play with, clothes to wear and food to eat. S. then made the startling statement, "my mommy and daddy are going to die while I'm little." I protested a little by saying, "no S. your mommy and daddy will probably not die until they are old". He then said, "Diane died and is never coming back. Zach will probably get over it." It then dawned on me what was weighing on his young mind. A friend of S's mamma had just died leaving behind a three month old baby and a four year old son who plays with S. The conversation continued as S. tried to reason for himself what death was, where heaven is, how Jesus could die but still be alive, why God didn't have feet or a mouth and on and on. I was amazed and overwhelmed with the opportunity to be part of this learning experience in S's young life. I told S. that I didn't expect his momma and daddy to die but if they did that God would still take care of S and his brother because there were so many people who loved them very much who would never leave them alone. Parents have such an amazing mandate from God to teach their children about Him in all of the circumstances of life. I've become more aware lately of the opportunity that Grandparents also have to play a part in that mandate. I was just at the memorial service of a 99 year old woman at which 10 of her 12 grandchildren stood before all of us and spoke of their grandmother's ongoing influence in their lives and their coming to faith in Christ. What a legacy! I pray that my grandchildren will do the same thing at my memorial service someday. |
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