I have some dear friends, whom I love very much even though they run. I mean really run. On purpose. Because they like it. They have a few years up on me, yet they are forever completing some big mileage run. They do this with smiles on their faces. And they look good. And they have at least one million grandkids for whom they pray and spend time with while remembering all their names.
Sunday September 8 is Grandparent Day, and my mind goes immediately to this faithful couple. Grandparents play an important role in who we are. Even if you, like me, never actually knew them. A bloodline of inherited traits realized or unrealized, exists in your DNA.
Every person’s name recorded in God’s Book had someone that came before, and again before that life another lived, as did yet another before. We all had grandparents, some with great influence and others completely obscure.
God valued the layers. He gave generational commands, instructions, laws, and purposes. Through the witness of one to the next, He proclaimed His name.
Generations in the Bible played a part in evangelism, verified historical facts, provided protection, gave belonging, and imparted love and care. All the pieces fit together to bring God glory.
When God created Adam and Eve with the admonition to be fruitful and multiply, not only were the first parents “born,” but also God initiated the path to first grandparenthood.Generations in the Bible played a part in evangelism, verified historical facts, provided protection, and imparted love and care. Share on X
My husband and I started out as relatively young grandparents, but we’ve sort of grown older with it. And, I’m not sure we foresaw that impact on us or others. It’s kind of unexpected to have young adult grandchildren with lives of their own. Like how in the world did they get so old…until we walk past a mirror.
Oh. Well. Yes.
As far as we know, the apostle Paul wasn’t a Grandpa, but he understood the importance of running well all the way to the finish line. Whether or not sweet voices call us Grandpa or Grandma we all need encouragement to finish well. Perhaps especially us, the last lap-ers, need to be reminded, because the last leg of any race is especially difficult.
Paul’s instructions, some given in his later years, and often written from a prison cell, seem particularly applicable. Maybe that’s because Grandparents get a glimpse now and then of that finish line drawing nearer.
Some of his advice along the way:
- Run to get the prize. Eternal rewards which are non perishable are well worth the grueling course.
- Train yourself through self-discipline and self-control. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ESV)
- Keep life’s purpose ahead of you. Not for vain validity, but to finish your God given journey and ministry, that of testifying to the gospel of grace in Jesus. (Acts 20:24 ESV)
- Keep pressing on toward the goal for the prize of God’s call. Don’t give up. Persist, Persevere, Press on. (Philippians 3:14 ESV)
- Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7 ESV)
My dear runner friends will leave an incredible example of faithfulness in their physical discipline, but even greater will be the impact of their spiritual heritage. I want to grow up to be like them, even though I can’t run a mile, and we aren’t related through parentage.
Regardless of your marital status, age, or heritage, someone is watching. Learning. Following. You leave footprints on the course. You become like a grandparent who goes before, lighting the way to Jesus.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)
Thank you to the Grandparents who have left tracks which point to Jesus. Thanks to the teachers, pastors, mentors, friends who have spurred us to run well. May the DNA of our faith direct another generation to Him, and may we remember to run for the gold.
Thank you to the Grandparents who have left footprints which point to Jesus. Share on X
Katherine Pasour
As an “aging” grandmother, I’m inspired by your message. For my young ones, I hope to to leave those footprints pointing to Jesus. (Sylvia, I only knew one of my grandparents and she died when I was a teenager, but I see and feel the legacies of my grandparents). Thank you for reminding me.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Katherine. May we leave many and may they be clear!!
Lorelei
Sylvia, I needed this today as an aging grandmother like Katherine. Loved ‘Generations in the Bible played a part in evangelism, verified historical facts, provided protection, gave belonging, and imparted love and care.’ And also ‘the last lap-ers, need to be reminded, because the last leg of any race is especially difficult.’ Thanks for your insights and reminders! Hugs
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks so much Lorelei! I appreciate your comments and encouragement!
Ron Gallagher
Being a grandparent x7, and only running in a combination fo memories and imagination, I was happily with you in this post from the very first. The other thing that connects my heart with your encouraging admonition is being deeply aware that I’m into the closing chapter of the book and the final leg of the race. That isn’t a depressing thing, because I know what’s waiting after I cross the finish line and hit the key for the final period, but nonetheless it’s sobering. And it should be, because I don’t want to waste one moment or blow past another opportunity to leave something behind that honors the One who’s been with me every step. God bless you for another uplifting and inspiring dose of spiritual vitamins.
sylvia schroeder
Ron, I appreciate so much your thoughts! It is indeed sobering to look ahead to find the finish line closer and closer. I too don’t want to miss any opportunity to leave behind an honoring message of the God I love. Thanks so much for reading and responding. 7X…a great blessing for sure!!
Lois S.
Though I am only a few years younger than you, Sylvia, I don’t think of my self as a “last lapper” yet. Two of my grandparents died in their 90s, and one was 100 when she died. Plus my oldest grandchild is only seven, and I am caring for parents who are truly on their last lap. I may (or may not) have three decades or more to go, so I hope to continue to run with endurance the race set before me, looking to Jesus….
I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep. (as says Robert Frost in “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.”)
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Lois! It’s good to remember the miles to go before we sleep too!! Thanks!