I have a friend who is missing her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would love to be included in family birthday parties and get-togethers, but she and her husband are not. Her heart yearns to see the babies and toddlers as they grow and change, as well as the grandchildren as they mature as parents themselves.
The Bible encourages multi-generational activities, and in the days of the Bible most families lived together in homes that featured several generations. Today families rarely live together, at least in the United States. Grandparents usually have their own homes or live in assisted living or nursing homes when they need physical care. The benefits of multi-generational families are lost.
Paul says Timothy came from a multi-generational home, showing the benefits of an extended family-living situation.
"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." (2 Timothy 1:5 NIV).
If families lives under one roof, the commandments could pass from one generation to another.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframe of your houses and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV).
Grandparents and great grandparents have an important role in lives of younger generations. If we have the opportunity, let's include them and allow the teachings of the elders to be a special blessing upon the children.
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