This weekend has been a busy one. I have spent the weekend celebrating the children in my life. First there was Jennifer's birthday party (she is the blonde third from the left) on Friday. We went to a place called Pump It Up that had all kinds of those thing that you blow up and play on. Even the teenagers and some of the adults in attendance had a ball on the "playground." I have never seen so much action and laughter. If I could bottle that the world be a more joyful place. You couldn't help laughing as they played and played and played (especially at the adults). Some of the adults found out that certain pieces of equipment created sore muscles. That was the most fun. Then the adults and children adjourned to the party room to eat ice cream and cake. It was a fun evening for all.
Sunday evening we celebrated the soon-to-be arrival of our newest grandchild, Max. The picture on the right is of his parents. It was the biggest baby shower I have ever attended. One of the guests told me there were about 90 people there! Each table talked and rejoiced in the blessing soon to come to my son and daughter (actually daughter-in-law so you don't think there is anything funny going on. But since I never had and girls, both of them are my daughters). We all talked and laughed and played games ("What's in the diaper" was kind of gross and I'm not just saying that because I didn't get any right) and just soaked up the joy of the new parents. The most encouraging part was knowing that the whole church (did I mention it was at their church?) was going to be there to see to it that Max is brought up knowing the Lord.
However, children are not all fun and games. There is a tremendous responsibility in raising children. There are enough pitfalls to deal with as an adult. But once you have been given the blessing of a child, you have this little soul that wants to be JUST LIKE YOU. Numbers 14:18 states, "The Lord is slow anger and rich in faithful love, forgiving wrongdoing and rebellion. But He will not leave [the guilty] unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers' wrongdoing on the children to the third and fourth generation."
When I became a parent I know I didn't give much thought to generational sins like swearing, drinking, violence and addictions of all types. Statistics show that these sins are passed from the mothers and fathers to the children. I know I have witnessed some of the things I hated the worst in myself manifest themselves in my boys.
Grandparents, we are not off the hook. Many times we have as much, if not more, influence on our grandchildren than their parents do. So we too must be on guard to the traps the devil sets for us.
I had a great time this weekend and did my best to remember my responsibility to the children in the room (Kathy is far enough along that Max can hear every word that is spoken). I absolutely love playing with my grandchildren and just being in their presence. Psalm 127: 4-5a tells us, "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth. Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them."
So I eagerly await the arrival of Max and remind Tommy and Kathy that a quiver full is twelve. But it doesn't stop there. Wayne and Christine, Max is going to need a playmate . ;) I love my children and grandchildren more than anything in my life but God. I have lots of love to give so you can't blame me for wanting a few more grandchildren to give my love to, right?
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