What Grandparents Teach Us

I look to the family unit as a unit that should not be messed with — it’s that important to me. A lot can be learned from a tight knit, God-centered family. As the saying goes, families that pray together, stay together and are blessed with unity in many of the things they do in life.

Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 13th.

I was blessed to have grown up with all of four my Grandparents alive and well — and my children are being blessed with knowing and growing with three remaining grandparents.

My grandparents modeled being fairly quiet people, honoring each other, loving each other unconditionally, and never quitting on their marriage; overall they set an example for the way that all of us should live these days. There is so much we can learn from our grandparents.

I thought it would be fun to put together 6 things our grandparents teach us… if we keep our eyes open. These are life lessons that aren’t typically taught these days — the “little” things, if you will.

1. He opens the door for her. Let’s be real, how often do you see young couples doing this these days?

2. They clean their plate, regardless of what has been served. Coming through the Great Depression, my grandparents think differently about their food and are more grateful, and less picky, for each meal.

3. Meal time is family time. Every day. Non-negotiable. Again, in this busy world, many families miss family dinner time. I think that’s the best time to gather with the kids, pray together, and teach them… and not only teach them, but talk! Be together. I strive to find time for a family meal daily, whether it’s peanut butter and jelly or a roast. Meal time is also a great time to count your daily blessings, and I love the book The Blessings Jar for ideas on finding the things to be thankful for every day (more on this later).

4. They start every day with their devotions. My grandparents did this when they were working and raising their young family too. I feel today we are all so busy, we miss some of the little things we could be doing to grow closer to God.

5. Hand holding. Seems so simple, yet so darn adorable.

6. The words “I love you” weren’t just words. They looked into each others’ eyes with the deepest sense of the word, so much so that you could feel it through them.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” — which is the first commandment with a promise. – Ephesians 6:1-2

If you’re looking for a sweet, sentimental book to celebrate the lessons our grandparents teach us, I highly recommend checking out Colleen Coble’s The Blessings Jar. In this story, character Alexa Grace is having a bad day, but then Grandma arrives with something special… a jar that she can fill with God’s blessings. Alexa and her Grandma soon search around the house to collect her “blessings” and soon her new blessing jar is overflowing with God’s wonders. This darling picture book is such a sweet celebration of the bond between grandparents and grandchildren and teaches little ones an important lesson about thankfulness. This would make a great last-minute Grandparent’s Day gift!

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Your Turn

Grandparents teach us so many things. What have your Grandparents taught you? Share your memories and tributes to your grandparents in the comments below.