Never Alone

I still miss my Dad. He went to live with his Savior in heaven in 1999. Here he is holding my oldest daughter who is now a mother! Everyone called him grandpa Pope; even his kids. And now, as of last Monday, I’m the new grandpa Pope. A mantel I’m honored to take up.

My daughter and her husband have now blessed our family with a beautiful, brand new 7.5 lb. little girl who has changed many lives already just two days after her birth. My first grand-baby. Amazing.

The world looks a little different this morning as I see everything through the eyes of a grandpa for the first time. Through these eyes, my heart is filled with praise as I see the beauty and power of God’s prescribed order (Gen. 2:20-25).

Now I look to Scripture for guidance. I’ve received much counsel concerning this phase of life. The consensus is nearly unanimous; my job is to spoil this granddaughter. A pretty irresistible urge, I’m sure. But, does Scripture have anything to say about my role? In Deuteronomy 4:9, we find the marching orders for grandparents;

“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.”

So, I now see that I am called to serve as the tribal storyteller. My job is to tell my grandkids the many stories of years of God’s faithfulness to our family. I will recount the passages of Scripture that have had special meaning to the generations of our family. I will encourage them to put their trust in Him.

I look forward to reaffirming the goodness of God to my grandkids by retelling the stories of His great deliverance. And, by giving her ice cream when mom and dad aren’t looking.

Can’t wait to get started.
Grandpa Pastor Steve