Of Grandchildren and Fathers

For Monday, May 8, 2006
Proverbs 17:6

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their fathers.

This is a good reminder of what family relations should be. It is not merely a matter of having children who then have children. It is about investing in your family relationships so that there is a strong, loving bond, and that your children live lives that are deemed honorable. Fathers can forget this as they neglect their children. The result is the lesson learned by the father in Harry Chapin's song, "The Cat's in the Cradle." The father is too busy to spend time with his son. When the son grows up and gets married, he then becomes too busy to spend time with his father. The father ruefully reflects, "He'd grown up just like me."

Do you need to do some investing? Perhaps there are some relationships that need recultivating. Grandparents, do not neglect investing in your grandchildren. It is fine to give them presents, but even more than need your wisdom. They may not listen to you now, but they will remember your words. Tell them your stories; tell them about your faith. In coming years that might be what brings them through tough times.

And thank God for the bond between the Father and the Son. Such a bond enabled the Son go through the greatest trial of all. He could do so because he loved the Father who is his glory.