On the Role of Grandparenting
by Michael Doyle

In a celebration of one another
We commemorate the blessings of each other
This is part of being God's family
As we live within God's holy community

The lessons taught by new faces
Are blessed when revisited by old traces
And in all these hold up our names
As seen differently because nothing remains the same

Today's a day to remember grandparents and their blessings
In all the touches that never never left us guessing
With heart full of love and filled with God's grace
We knew we were loved and safe in their embrace

It's turned out that the baby boom
Has transformed into the Grandparent boom
And this should be lived with godly intention
And given to the grandchildren with full attention

To shape the children with something positive
Influencing them toward good and away from negative
We cannot overstate the importance of being intentional
Deliberatively and with purpose providing the correctional

We must be the loving eyes that always see
Giving loving lessons with the caress of dignity
Showing right honor in all our given examples
Living a godly life, full and vividly ample

There is so much to teach by what we show
Teaching lessons and allowing learning on the roll
While doing this, we must not just lead with talk
We must endeavor to strive to walk the walk

In all the time we spend with the immediate family
We must spend this time with true and good quality
Filled with the good things of lasting impression
That become a memory scrapbook filled with expression

Let your words be spoken always giving full blessing
The words chosen with love to never leave the kids guessing
That the blessings of God are meant to fill with confidence
Every word spoken needs to be wrapped in loving relevance

The tongue can bring its traces of death or give life
Bringing God's true peace or failing into endless strife
This is all the part of knowing how and leaving a legacy
One that teaches God's ways with a soul's integrity

There are traditions that we share by how we live
These are the ways that become the legacy that we give
Let it be known what our values are in what we teach
And the stories we tell revealing a God always within reach

This is the narrative that teaches the best of our history
Through these words of faith revealed, we live out the glory
In all these things to be a supportive godly influence
Along with parents to serve in just the right confluence

All of this is part and parcel of the family's living culture
As we try hard to build together in the goodness we nurture
Helping to keep the focus on Godly ways and the full gospel
All these things done will help in telling the good tale

That we must live every one of life's living stages
Demonstrating our best reverence for God's holy pages
With prayers lived out full of love and humble blessing
Given outward to those we love without any hesitating

(c) June 6, 2023  Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved