This month marks 5 years since I became a grandmother. Our little grandson was born November 9, 2006, followed in recent years by three little granddaughters, with another due by Christmas. If what the psalmist says is true, that people are blessed by seeing their children’s children (Ps. 128:6), then Sam and I are indeed blessed!

Many people joke about being a grandparent. Now when there are dirty pants or temper tantrums, we can hand the child away to someone else to deal with. While this is true, when our grandson was born I found a room of love opened up in my heart that I didn’t know was there. Part of the thrill was in seeing my own children develop into parents. I believe it’s important, if we are walking in the Spirit as grandparents, to keep this godly order in mind.

These grandchildren are not mine to raise. That stewardship belongs to their parents. I need to give my children room to grow and develop as parents, just as I did. Each of my children is creating a new family unit, and none of them will look exactly like the family I raised. It’s very likely they will not make the choices I made. So whether it’s ecisions about potty training or home schooling or piano lessons, it’s a godly thing for me to let the new parents lead in their own families. My job is to cheer them on from the sidelines. That doesn’t mean that I don’t ask questions or that I never give my opinion. But I need to avoid unsolicited advice and emotional pressure. I trusted my children to God when they were little, and I can again trust them to Him as they forge ahead with their own families.