Morning Devotional
November  27, 2005
"Happy Birthday Faith and Logan"        
    by Don Emmitte

The godly are like trees that bear life-giving fruit, and those who save lives are wise. (Proverbs 11:30 KJV).

 

Two years ago Faith and Logan made their entrance into the world. It was filled with excitement and wonder. I cannot tell you how much it meant for me to peer over the basinet at the NICU and see their tiny bodies resting under the watchful care of the doctors and nurses. They were both little, but healthy and normal. They have grown so much in these two years. I am so grateful to have been present for the last nine months!

 

And, I have learned some lessons. I suppose that means another chapter must be written to my book (that’s the one that I have never quite finished, but have vowed to do so!). The more I am with Faith and Logan, to more profound my love and adoration for them becomes. With that comes an incredible concern for them. I am so proud of the way Kyle and Brandy have taken care of them I could not ask for better parents for them. They are WONDERFUL! However, there are some things that I can do also. These are things that you who are also grandparents might want to consider.

 

§         The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that you do not want to get into a competitive spirit with your children. The key is cooperation with your children. Find out what your children's aspirations are for their children's development. Do not be judgmental, but humbly ask for understanding of what they would like to see happen in their lives. Ask if there is anyway you can help. You are after all grandparents, not parents. There is a great difference.

 

§         Second, concerning their spiritual development, check your own spiritual barometer. You preach louder with your attitudes and actions than you do with your mouth. A significant difference between your behavior and your words is unacceptable. You cannot expect your grandkids to embrace Christ if you are only holy at church. A hypocritical lifestyle will just encourage your grandchildren to reject the God in whom you believe.

 

§         Third, let the grandchildren see your enthusiasm for God and His way of life. Talk positively about life. They can learn more about success in life from watching your actions in the midst of this time of life than anything else you may do or say. Life as an elder has its own challenges, physically and emotionally. Let them see how you handle those challenges with grace and positive attitude.

 

§         Last, never cease to pray daily for them. You cannot underestimate the power of personal prayer on their behalf. Commit yourself to be a life-giving tree with fruit enough for them to feast on in their years of growth!