“Children may ignore advice, but they rarely miss an example.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 9, 2025
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Proverbs 20:5
I sometimes wonder what the best approach is to loving our grandchildren well. I watch my wife, Rita, effortlessly love the grandchildren in a manner that inspires and intimidates me. Why? I am learning from my wife and other grandfathers, like my friend Bill, that to love the grandchildren well is to know and understand them. Who are they? As Rita says, “Listen to what they say.” So, in a recent car ride with two older granddaughters, I listened, and this is what I heard. Family, friends, music, sports, and school are important to them. Maybe even in that order of priority. I am learning that our twelve grands are real people with real fears, dreams, and desires.
That moment when you realize your grandchildren are actual people—with opinions, passions, and inner worlds all their own—that’s when the real adventure begins. Rita’s natural ease might be the most important clue in this mystery: the best grandparents aren’t performing grandparenthood; they’re genuinely curious about these young humans entrusted to them. That car ride where we simply listened? Pure gold. Because here’s what happens when grandchildren realize you’re truly interested: they start to unfold like flowers in sunshine. Love reveals itself.
Try this: Create a “fascination file” for each grandchild. When they mention loving a particular artist or basketball player, jot it down. Later, read an article about that interest. Not to become an expert—just enough to ask one good question next time. “I heard Taylor Swift’s new album broke records. What’s your favorite song on it?” Watch their eyes light up when they realize you remembered. For the sports enthusiasts, attend their games without your phone in hand. Nothing says “you matter” like your undivided attention. For the music lovers, perhaps surprise them with tickets to a concert—with you tagging along not as a chaperone, but as a fellow adventurer. Attend their performance or recital, and bring flowers to celebrate their beautiful moment!
Family dinners offer perfect opportunities to draw them out with questions like, “What’s the best thing that happened this week?” or “What’s something you’re looking forward to?” The beautiful truth is that grandchildren don’t need another coach or teacher. They need you—with your stories, your time, and your unique perspective. They need someone who sees them clearly enough to celebrate who they are becoming. Remember: perfection isn’t the goal—presence is. These young people don’t need you to be cool; they need you to be consistent. Not trendy, but trustworthy. Not impressive, but interested. Your genuine curiosity is already opening doors. Walk through them with wonder. I am learning to let their agenda define my agenda.
Most of all, model the ways of Jesus to your grandchildren. I remember my grandmother’s generosity and prayers and how, to this day, her love marks me in ways I am still discovering. Your grandchildren are watching you—not just what you say, but how you live. When you pray over meals with genuine gratitude, when you extend forgiveness without keeping score, when you serve others without fanfare, you’re leaving fingerprints of faith on their hearts. My grandmother never preached sermons, but her life was one. Her hands, weathered from service, told stories of sacrificial love. The way she prayed—like God was sitting right beside her—taught me more about authentic faith than any theology book. Children may ignore advice, but they rarely miss an example. Your quiet consistency speaks volumes across decades. The compassion you show strangers, your resilience during hardship, your joy despite circumstances—these become inheritances more precious than money. Years from now, when your grandchildren face their own challenges, they’ll find your legacy woven into their reflexes—sacred patterns of grace they absorbed simply by watching you follow Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, help me listen with love and patience as a grandparent. Open my heart to truly hear, understand, and connect with my grandchildren, reflecting Your grace in every conversation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Consider writing down areas of interest in your children and grandchildren and how you might support them in becoming their best version of themselves.
Related Reading
Proverbs 1:5, 18:13; Ecclesiastes 3:7; Luke 8:18; James 1:19
Worship Resource
Brandon Lake: Daddy’s DNA
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