Lessons Learned From My Grandchildren
by Tom Gilbert

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:5)

I have a good job. At least once a week, I get to plan a 2 to 3 hour outing that might be interesting to my grandchildren.  My oldest daughter’s two boys are ages 5 and 8, and my youngest daughter’s three girls are ages 3, 5 and 8.  Fortunately, we do not often take all five kids at once, but – while a lot more work – those trips are usually more delightful. All five of them – plus Ellen and me– become our own little community that is enthused (or sometimes grossed out) by whatever we discover on our hikes. What I like about these trips is that the kids are so excited about almost any plan I come up with.  They are always up for an outing, and are usually kind enough to accept anything that happens. Most of the time, no matter what we do, they say, “Best trip ever!”

Tom's Grandkids Photo I learn so much from my grandchildren.  For example, they are full of wonder at things that are often pedestrian to me. We had them all in a stream the other day, and the boys discovered that at the edge of the stream there was a wonderful area of muck and mud to play with.  Pretty soon the two youngest girls were up to their elbows in it too enjoying the consistencies and properties of the mud. (It grossed out our oldest granddaughter who definitely was NOT participating, and removed herself to the middle of the stream out of reach of the younger ones.)  They played with that mud for at least half an hour and came out with mud on their clothes and smiles on their faces.

As a grandfather, here are some other lessons I have learned on the job:

  • Even though I can’t keep up with them, they will wait for me.
  • There is treasure everywhere. (Luke keeps stuffing bird feathers in my back pockets.)
  • Cousins are a special gift and need to be cherished.
  • Setbacks are just temporary.
  • Rain (in moderate amounts) can make a trip even better than clear skies.
  • Snacks and water in large amounts are required.
  • Indoor time can be tolerated but outdoors is best.
  • Playground equipment to climb is essential.
  • Fear can be overcome.
  • Unlike adults, kids will say hello and play with almost any other kid.
  • Water, sand and mud are fascinating and fun.

I would sum up what the kids have taught me with the word “abounding.”  They approach each day with abounding energy and focus that I rarely feel in my own life.  Every day the Lord presents me with tasks (and the gifts to do them) that may seem ordinary and routine, but are, in fact, the “work of the Lord” for me in the moment. He gives me the opportunity to experience His Presence through the Holy Spirit in whatever the new adventure of the day brings.  I may not be able to run with the boys and girls, but I can walk empowered by His abounding grace, and be a blessing to my grandchildren and others along the trail.

May all of us ABOUND in the work of the Lord!

 

Things to participate in with the Men’s Ministry:

October 19: Iron Sharpens Iron (every 3rd Tuesday of the month)

October 14: Men’s Bible Study on James Begins (every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month)

 

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