“If I had known that grandchildren were this much fun, I would’ve had them first” is a sentiment expressed by several grandparents I know. The composer of Psalm 128 connects the thought of enjoying God’s blessing and being a grandparent when he writes: “The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!” (vv. 5-6). Consider several of the blessings that are enmeshed in grandparenthood:
- Good health. People who die prematurely via accidents or tragedies do not live long enough to see any of their grandchildren. It is old men who get to enjoy the crown of grandchildren (cf. Proverbs 17:6).
- Successful pregnancies and deliveries. At least three have occurred—your mother’s which produced you, your child’s, and your grandchild’s. Three consecutive generations of a family have been blessed with arrows in its quiver (Psalm 127:3-5). Both sacred and secular history sadly record pregnancies which resulted in the deaths of children prior to or shortly after their births.
- Joy. A child’s innocence, adoration, and unfeigned love are the distinct and joyous blessings of a grandparent. They remind all who are wise that the Giver of such a bundle of joy is the focal point of their existence and He is the ultimate destination of this journey called “life”.
What a brilliant way to remind us that God is love! (1 John 4:8).
