Passing Down Wisdom

Bible Passage

Proverbs 4:1–7 CSB

Listen, sons, to a father’s discipline, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding, for I am giving you good instruction. Don’t abandon my teaching. When I was a son with my father, tender and precious to my mother, he taught me and said, “Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live. Get wisdom, get understanding; don’t forget or turn away from the words from my mouth. Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.

Introduction

Tomorrow is “Grandparent’s Day.”

As a new parent, I have been blessed to be able to watch the joy that my children bring to their grandparents!

Grandparents are known for spoiling their grandchildren with lots of attention and secret treats, but they also offer unrivaled patience and guidance.

They always give the best advice, thanks to decades worth of first hand knowledge and insight into the world.

The life lessons we learn from our grandparents play a huge role in shaping our past, present and future.

Our grandparents have taught us too many lessons to count, but this morning I would like to highlight just a few gems as we celebrate these great pillars of our families.

1. Be on your best behavior

Grandparents instill in us the importance of being polite and courteous from an early age- and they are not afraid to call out any mistakes!

Although this can seem demanding at times, it’s all in our best interest.

Learning how to mind our P’s and Q’s sets us up with the tools for future success in numerous situations.

Using good manners shows consideration and respect for those around you and encourages them to reciprocate it back.

2. True beauty never fades

True beauty shines from within and is measured by character.

Outer appearance is fleeting and unpredictable.

3. Remember where you came from

We owe our existence to those who came before us.

Grandparents connect us to our roots and help us understand more about who we are and where we came from.

We are an accumulation of generations past, and sometimes learning more about them can unearth similarities and clear up things about ourselves.

4. Take lots of pictures

It may take your grandma 10 minutes to figure out how to turn the camera on, but that never stops her form capturing an important moment.

Someday you will thankful to reflect on those memories and the people in them!

5. All problems have solutions

No matter what hardships life throws at you, there’s always a next step.

Grandparents have been around long enough to experience all manners of loss and pain.

When faced with unimaginable situations, they found the strength to dust themselves off and carry on.

6. Life is too short

Grandparents will often tell you that life happens in the blink of an eye.

The conflicts and stressors they spent years worrying over no longer matter.

We may find ourselves measuring success with big accomplishments and gestures, but in the end, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact on our lives.

Relax often and enjoy the moment.

Allow yourself to be unapologetically grateful for what you have with no “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts.”

Spend lots of time with family and follow your passions.

7. Take Jesus For Your Journey

The Prayer for Grandchildren can be found in Ephesians 3:16-21

Ephesians 3:16–21 CSB

I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Quote

Blessings to You, Grandma and Grandpa - Paul Berchtold

Blessings to you, Grandma and Grandpa. We pray the Good Lord bless you always. He knows your sorrows, He is Gentle Peace. May He fill you with joy, all your days. As we get older, we can't turn back the clock, To the way things used to be. But we walk forward, with the help of His Hand, To a better home, in eternity. Not doubt there's been, many a struggle, Many a trial, sorrow and pain. The longer we live, these things happen, God is turning it into much gain. The joys and sorrows, the good and the bad, These things have made you so gentle and wise, With the angels, I too want to say, You are so very precious, in His eyes. God gave you faith, to walk with Him. He is your hope, despite tired feet. You have a big heart of His love. Thank you for being so sweet. Thank you for showing, in a little way, God's Goodness and Kindness and Love, Sometimes you spoil us, just a little bit, And sometimes you give, a little firm shove. That's because you're handing over the torch, Leaving a precious legacy, Teaching life's lessons, and pointing the way, To what really counts, our destiny. We thank you and celebrate, your life here on earth, So much has come from your union, But we know we're headed, to a better place, The greatest family reunion. Blessings to you, Grandma and Grandpa, God fill you with peace and grace. Fill your home and family with happiness, He is our resting place.

Closing

To all the grandparents out there: Thank you for giving the best advice, sweet holiday cards, positive values, homecooked meals, enthusiastic support, sense of humor, unconditional love, your Christ Like influence, and your presence in our lives.

You motivate us to do better and be better, and for that, we are forever grateful.