Through a Grandmother's Lens

Yesterday's devotion gave me so much to think about. Sara Adkins and Lauren McDonald reminded me of just how precious life is no matter what phase of life we find ourselves in. Today, I would like to conclude Friday’s devotion with these thoughts.

I am simply a mother who is now peering through a grandmother’s lens. Oh, how I see things differently now. Leading up to Mother’s Day, I began asking myself so many questions. Did I do enough as a mother? Could I have done things much differently? Did I focus too much on the small things that really didn’t matter? Did I spend enough time teaching my little ones about the love of Jesus? The questions kept coming… and then, God showed up just like He always does. I received a text from the person who shares some of my grandchildren with me and who probably had some of the same questions. Joy Swinnie sent this amazing take on what looking through the lens of a grandparent really is.

Being a grandparent allows you to be the parent you should have been the first time around but couldn’t because of the “too many” expectations placed on parents. You were too busy finding your footing and figuring it out-swept up in pressure and hurry. But a grandparent has the time and perspective to be calm, attentive, forgiving, and fun. They accept the mess. They know the same bedrooms with unmade beds also had their grandchildren sleeping safe and sound with their minds at ease the night before. They don’t yell because they know a child calling “grandma” or “grandpa” 20 times is a blessing. And they don’t care if their grandchildren are the best at anything, as long as they’re happy and healthy. To them, they’re everything exactly as they are. A grandparent’s love is one of a kind! @livingfullaftered

I guess old age and a little bit of wisdom kicks in when we become grandparents. We don’t love our grandchildren more than our own, we just love them differently and that love is almost impossible to explain. As Lauren so eloquently stated, “Life is precious. It’s short, it’s sweet, it’s hard, it’s beautiful. Every single day is a gift.” She went on to remind us that, “These little ones are our biggest blessings, our greatest ministry, and our true legacy.”

Dear God, you are indeed the giver of every good gift. Thank you for the gift of motherhood and for leaving me here long enough to look through the lens of a grandmother.