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Building One Another


E. Stanley Ott

GRANDS Vol 14 No 10

March 10, 2015

Dear Friend,

I’ve had the joy of seeing all four of our grandchildren in two cities within twenty-four hours!

My Dad used to say he had “patriarchal feelings” when referring to the intensity of his warm emotion when he saw his grandchildren. Now I know what he meant. I know my Mom had her own wonderful “matriarchal feelings.” 

Proverbs 17:6* says, “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.” While I am not feeling particularly “aged” at the moment, I do see how grandchildren are my crown and joy. You are a crown of your own grandparents!

Interestingly while the Bible says a great deal about parenting, it doesn’t say much about grand parenting. One proverb does give us a clue to good grand parenting, “The good leave an inheritance to their children’s children” Proverbs 13:22. 

The proverb makes a great point. I remember receiving a modest inheritance from one of my grandparents while the majority of their legacy went to my parents. Nevertheless I will never forget the feelings of being valued, affirmed, and loved.

Furthermore, there is more to leave one’s grandchildren than money or possessions! The time you give, the stories you share, the love you offer will last their lifetimes.  

By the way, while we are no longer in a letter writing age, to write a letter of affirmation and love to each of your grandchildren, to be read and treasured now and in the future is one way to offer a continuing reminder of your love. You may do the same thing for your own grandparents!

Joy to you - E. Stanley Ott
Copyright 2015 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the NRSV