Category: Adoption

5 Commitments for Grandparents

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Becoming a grandparent changes everything–especially your perspective.

Laura and I have three children and four grandchildren. When our children were growing up, much of life was about raising them, providing for them, teaching them, and preparing them for adulthood. But becoming Pop and MiMi has caused us to think more deeply about one word:

Legacy.

Psalm 71:18 expresses a prayer that increasingly speaks to my heart:

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

There will come a day when my grandchildren will know me primarily through their memories. That makes me ask: What do I want them to remember about Pop?

I hope they remember laughter, family gatherings, and good times. I certainly hope they know how deeply Pop and MiMi loved them. But more than anything, I want them to remember that Pop loved Jesus. Here are five commitments I believe will help us become effective Christian grandparents:

5 Commitments for Christian Grandparents

  1. Walk faithfully with God. Our grandchildren need more than our advice. They need an example. I want mine to see that my faith is more than something I preached—it is how I lived.
  2. Pray consistently for them. I cannot control my grandchildren’s futures, but I can pray for their salvation, friends, decisions, future spouses, and lifelong faithfulness to Christ.
  3. Tell them the stories. Psalm 78 reminds us to tell the coming generation about the works of God. Our grandchildren need to hear how God saved us, provided for us, answered prayer, and carried us through difficult seasons.
  4. Give them your presence. Grandchildren need our time, attention, encouragement, and affection. The relationship we build today may become the bridge over which spiritual influence travels tomorrow.
  5. Finish well. I don’t want my best spiritual years to be behind me. I want my grandchildren to see Pop loving Jesus, reading his Bible, serving others, loving MiMi and our family, and remaining faithful all the way to the finish line.

Someday my grandchildren may have some of my possessions. They may find photographs, books, or an old Bible filled with notes. But I want to leave them something far more valuable.

I don’t simply want to leave something TO my grandchildren. By God’s grace, I want to leave something IN them.

“Dear God, please make it so!”

A Gift We Never Take for Granted

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Some joys come quietly, almost humbly, and then grow so large they change everything. That has been our experience in our granddaughter’s adoption.

From the beginning, she has brought a kind of joy that settles deep into the soul. Her laughter fills our home, her presence softens our hearts, and reminds us what truly matters. We did not simply add a child to our family—we were entrusted with a life, and that responsibility has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives.

One of the greatest joys has been watching what she means to our son and daughter-in-law. As parents, their love, patience, and devotion shine through in the way they care for her each day. She has deepened their bond, strengthened their home, and filled their lives with a beautiful purpose. Seeing them grow into their roles as mom and dad has been a gift to us as well, one that brings quiet pride and deep gratitude.

Adoption is not a second-best story. It’s a beautiful story marked by sacrifice, courage, and love.

Adoption is not a second-best story. It’s a beautiful story marked by sacrifice, courage, and love. We are profoundly grateful for her birth mother. Her decision was not easy, and we honor the strength it took for her to choose life and to place her child in the care of a family who would love her deeply. Because she chose life, we have the joy of watching this little girl grow, learn, and thrive.

Our granddaughter’s life has enriched our family in ways words cannot capture. She has renewed our sense of wonder, strengthened our faith, and given us a living reminder that hope is not an abstract idea—it has a face, a name, and a future. She constantly reminds us that each life is precious in God’s sight.

We are thankful. Thankful for adoption. Thankful for family. Thankful for a brave birth mother. And thankful, above all, for the gift of life that continues to bless us every single day.