Tales to Tell

I wish I knew more about my grandparents. I have questions for them that will not be answered in this lifetime. It has taken me too long to realize what I have lost by not knowing their stories. Will my grandchildren also find out too late?

My Dad's Father died of Black Lung before I was born. My Mother's Dad also died before I was born. His death was by his own hand. I had step-grandfathers on my mother's side. I am grateful that they left me memorable stories. Both grandmothers lived long lives, but only one was present to us. Both, however, left their tales for me to enjoy. One was a writer, and through her penned works, I have come to know her in a small way. The other was very active in my life. I heard, first hand, about her exciting adventures and trials. Something was still missing.

My definition of personal stories goes beyond what we have done or seen. The real legend reveals the impact those experiences have on our lives. Emotions felt, lessons learned, and life changes that occurred are the real gems within a life story.

So, how do we share those treasures with our Grands? First, listen for questions. Questions are the open door. I like questions because they don't have to be asked only by the youth. They are great door openers for seniors as well. Once a question has been asked, the short answer is best. Leave room for more questions. Invite the child into your story, don't drag them. (I've learned from experience.) There may be things left unsaid, but what you say will be remembered if you don't push.

We have a wealth of tales to tell. We can recount bible stories that help us or have impacted us. Anecdotes from our own lives are always a crowd pleaser when told with a bit of humor directed at ourselves. Books and articles can become a source of interesting ideas shared. The list goes on and on, from nature stories to the famous or not so well known people that touch our lives. We can always have something worthwhile to say.

Connect to the children and even older grandchildren with feelings. Telling them how we feel and asking them about their emotions tells them that they are important. There is a caution to this, however. We should be careful not to dismiss their feelings. We can accept that they feel a certain way right now, but we must also give them time and space to change.

Our lives interchange. It is a wonderful blessing to a child to tell them how they have been special in our lives. A "Do you remember when we did..." story will always liven up an afternoon.

Finally, look for ways to bring God into the story. Use God's perspective, His attributes, His love for us, or maybe just that He is watching and listening now to bring His presence into the conversation. Do you know He is listening and watching us now?

Father God, The Word and Teller of Your story within our stories, You are so very good! You are our hope when times are tough and our delight when we are filled with joy. We seek Your forgiveness for being so quick to pass by opportunities to share You with those we love so very much, our Grandchildren, preferring to give them things instead of ourselves. Thank You for giving us time with them. Thank You for making the door of questions swing both ways! Thank You for the stories You have given us in Your word, our lives and all around us. You are so generously good to us! Teach us to be the best we can be for all future generations!

Proverbs Seventeen

Proverbs 17:6 "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers."

Grandchildren become the crown in which grandparents regale. They are the entertainment and delight of those of us who have lived many years. We feast on each new accomplishment and proudly assert the special abilities to anyone who will listen.

I confess that I belong to an online group we call "Grannies in a Box." We brag over achievements, cry over hurts, and allow each other tirades for any and all opposition to our favorite people in the wole world: our Grands. I have been with the group for 12 years now. We understand one another. We wear the crown of our grandchildren proudly.

For example, I have five crowns that I display to the listening world whenever I can. Each one bears his or her own gems. No two are exactly alike. My Grandladies and Grandmen make me laugh, cry and cheer.

Though God is not a Grandparent, He must know what it is like, because He is one who listens, and tells stories and cheers us on every day. He is our Father, though, and He is our Glory. We look to Him for the best of everything.

Father, you are the glory and the lifter of my head. You shine in the darkness. You are there when I need you. You never fail to hear me. I fall short, Lord, in so many ways. I fail to honor those who have gone before me sometimes. It just seems so hard to take time for aging parents. Thank You for reminding me to reach out to them, listening to their stories even when they repeat again and again. Thank You for letting them be a part of my life. Teach me how to honor their lives and to love them.

Precious Words

"I'll miss you." Precious words from my granddaughters as they prepared to leave for the weekend to visit their cousins. I am blessed to be so close to my grandchildren. They are difficult at times only because I care for them. But, there is such delight in knowing that I mean so much to them.

Those simple words said so much. They said I am important and loved. I somehow have become a treasure to them that they miss when I am not around. Of course there are days when they hide from me and don't want me to find them! Yes, there are those days when I am more trouble to them than treasure. There is no doubt that we love each other. I miss them too!