"God Knows Grandparents Make a Difference" by Priscilla J. Herbison & Cynthia Herbison, a wonderful book is one in the series of “God Knows”publications.  Companion themes encompass everyday roles from parenting and marriage to care-giving and grieving.  It is often said that if we live long enough,we will wear a variety of hats. 

 

In reading the titles of the “God Knows” series, I identify as wife and mother.  But I have also been a care-giver and a grieving daughter. All these roles have been blessings from which I have experienced God’s love, mercy, and healing, but I acknowledge my hat as grandmother as one of my favorites. 

 

I know I’m not alone. A few weeks ago, I witnessed a grandmother and her young grand-daughters playfully dancing in the aisles of a local drugstore.  Similarly, last summer at a family gathering,I, as “Princess Grandma,” was the one wearing the paper crown.  Grandparents, who have the opportunity to share in the ordinary day-to-day fun, are whimsically unabashed; openly celebrating the glory of God.

 

However, the reality for many grandparents is much different.  Possibly, they find it necessary to parent their grandchildren. Maybe, their grandchildren have special needs.  Perhaps, divorce or geography separate them from their grandchildren. 

 

The authors delve into these realities, as well.  They offer faith-filled counsel to nourish grandchildren in God’s love.  God’s blessing of a family’s next generation calls us to surrender into God’s presence of the moment.  In His divine presence, we are graced to love—often, without understanding. 

              

Author’s bio:  Joanne Bennardo writes from Ohio where she and Granddad anticipate the Christmas twinkle in the eyes of Katie and Emily.  Praise God.