This post was the featured article in the June 22nd issue of the Sunshine Weekly Newsletter which is part of Walking With Lambs – Nursing Home Ministry in the 21st Century.

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I don’t know what kids do on their summer vacations these days, but my summers were spent largely with my grandparents.

My mom’s parents, Grandma & Grandpa Shockey, lived in town so when I was at their house my cousin, Chris, and I spent hours riding bikes and playing in the sprinkler. Sometimes we would ride our bikes to VBS or walk uptown to the Green Country-Town Fesitval to ride the rides and eat junk food. 

I sometimes feel sad that my own children were not able to have the same kind of relationship with their grandparents because we live over 300 miles away from my parents and 1500 miles from my husband’s parents.

My grandma taught me how to cook, make homemade ice cream and play canasta. I learned how to fish and to love the Cincinnati Reds from my grandpa.

Grandpa sang in the choir and Grandma lead a women’s Bible Study/Circle that always welcomed me warmly when I was visiting. 

And then there was Grandma Peg & Grandpa Ted, whose farm was only seventeen miles away from Grandma & Grandpa Shockey’s place.

Time at Clear Creek farm consisted of equal amounts of work and play. My cousins and I helped with canning, pickling, and berry picking as well as baling hay, harvesting corn, and moving cattle. In the evenings or on rainy days we played endless games of Aggravation, Rook, or Michigan Rummy.

On Sundays, we would pile in the pack of the pickup truck and head to Chapel in the Woods. At other times would attend Farm Bureau Meetings or the Highland County Fair.

Each of my grandparents loved the Lord and didn’t shy away from teaching us kids important life lessons. They lived out their faith each day and developed deep and meaningful relationships with each of us. I always knew I was loved, even in times when it seemed like my world was falling apart.

Whether you have grandchildren or not, you can be a spiritual grandparent to someone today in a world where families are falling apart. Remember that the greatest inheritance we can give them is our faith in Jesus Christ but they will only receive it when we wrap it up in love!

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting for those who fear Him, and His justice to the children’s children – Psalm 103:17 NASB

Grandchildren are the crown of the old, and the glory of sons is their fathers. – Proverbs 17:6 NASB

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. – Psalm 127:3 NASB