Home
- Get Mobile App
- Smartphone Login/Logout
Adult / Couple
- Caring Conversation
  - Taxing TalkAre you a Tightwad or a Spendthrift?
    What I Love About You..."I Love You" is too cheap.
- Ritual & Tradition
  - Honoring Life GiversMake a mark for those who've marked you.
    The Last TimeBegin a tradition that focuses on the end.
- Prayer
  - All Creation Bless the LordEven mosquitoes, Bless the Lord.
    Forgiveness is Not for SissiesI'm sorry, God.
- Bible Story
  - A Lenten WildernessExplore Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness and discover strength to meet your own wilderness temptations.
    Holy SmokeEver been in the presence of God?
- Serving Others
  - One Random ActTreat yourself and another to a Dollar (Store).
    Scavenger for JusticeHow much can you find?
- Learning About Faith
  - Discover My Spiritual GiftsThe Holy Spirit gifts you with abilities that the world needs.
    Human Challenge GameGod understands everything we face.
Young Adult
- Caring Conversation
  - Getting UnstuckSet down your baggage at the cross.
    Laugh, Talk, ShareLet's talk cartoons.
- Ritual & Tradition
  - Get Out and MoveMove in the name of God.
    The Hour Has ComeWhat time is it? Prayer time!
- Prayer
  - Pray Your WayWatch a video about prayer and pray your way.
    Prayer JarPick a prayer from the jar and go!
- Bible Story
  - A Sinking FeelingI can’t hear you, God!
    
    The Brick Testament PassionRetell the passion account your way...
- Serving Others
  - Fast FoodingSkip the fries and share some love!
    Spring Cleaning ServiceOffer to help somebody this spring.
- Learning About Faith
  - Giving It UpWhy give up something for Lent?
    I Go Because...What’s your motivation for being at church?
    
    The Truth About LiesIf you don’t tell the truth, are you a liar?
Young Family
- Caring Conversation
  - Signs of SpringWelcome spring by noticing seasonal clues.
    When I Grow UpWhat do you want to become?
    When I'm DisappointedEncourage one another to talk about disappointment.
- Ritual & Tradition
  - Learning About the Passover SederLearn about the Jewish festival of Passover.
    Memorial Day RemembrancesHonor the sacrifices made by service members.
    
    The Real PatrickSt. Patrick is more than wearing green.
- Prayer
  - Allelulia ChainConnecting Easter joys!
    Hand PrayersLet each finger be a prayer reminder.
    
    Praying with the SensesUse your senses as you pray.
- Bible Story
  - Come, Eat BreakfastMake placemats that celebrate the risen Jesus.
    Jesus' First MiracleA wedding gift from Jesus.
    
    Resurrection: Faith and DoubtJesus is risen, but not everyone believes it.
- Serving Others
  - Earth Day ServicePlant flowers to lift others’ spirits.
    
    Jump-Start LentHere’s a lesson in generosity (almsgiving).
    Special DeliveryBring dinner to a family with a newborn.
- Learning About Faith
  - Candle of LifeGod comes to us as Mary’s Son, the infant Jesus.
    
    Easter Egg ExchangeMake Easter egg-dying a family faith practice.
    Resurrection: Caterpillar to ButterflyResurrection ... what’s it like?
Teen Family
- Caring Conversation
  - Open-Egged QuestionsSerious, fun, or tasty? Open one to find out!
    Prepared for PurposeGod has created you for a reason.
    Talk About MusicDiscuss music lyrics with your family.
- Ritual & Tradition
  - Easter Traditions for TeensCreate new Easter rituals for teens.
    Lenten CandlesMark the days of Lent with a candle ritual.
    
    Purpling Your HomeWhat color are your days of Lent?
- Prayer
  - Lord, Hear My CryEven in fear-filled moments, God is listening.
    Mother's Day PrayersPray for moms in creative ways.
    
    Time to ConnectPraying for each other takes time—and a reminder.
- Bible Story
  - Holy Week Ups and DownsHow could people turn on Jesus so quickly?
    The Gossip FlameThe Spirit gives me the ability.
    
    When We Are ApartGrow closer as a family, even when you’re apart.
- Serving Others
  - Better FundraisersRaise money in ways you enjoy.
    
    Practice KindnessDo acts of kindness as your Lenten discipline.
    The Price of PreparationHelp others while you prep for Easter.
- Learning About Faith
  - Hope and DeathYou can’t talk resurrection until you talk death.
    Three in OneExplore symbols for the Trinity.
    Your Family's Church ExperiencesReflect on your family’s church history.
Just For Kids
- Bible Trek
  - Bread of LifeHungry for something more? Make this stop on your Bible Trek!
    God and a PhotographWhat does your heart see when you look at a photograph?
    Living WaterThirsty for God? Stop here on your Bible Trek.
    Reading a Story with GodCurl up with a favorite story and listen for God.
    Reading the 23rd Psalm with GodSpend time exploring pastures, valleys, and water wiith God.
    The Best Kind of FriendFind out who is your very best friend.
    The WayEver feel lost? Find your way here.
    Through the BibleCreate your Faith Trek Through the Bible book.
    Word Made FleshEver wonder who God really is? Try this Bible Trek!
- Kids' Faith Stories
  - House FireDid you ever think your house might burn down? Aidan’s did. Read his faith story.
    Jake and GraceWatch this inpiring faith story.
    Pray Without CeasingCheck out Meseret's story on prayer.
- Big Questions
  - About FaithCan you create faith?
    
    Explore a Big QuestionHere's a great way to tackle a BIG QUESTION.
    Getting AlongShow love, kindness, and patience. Can you do it?
- Help for Hard Stuff
  - A Bad DayHaving a rough day? Click here.
    A Big FightAt odds with someone? Ideas here.
    
    Big MistakeIf you've made a big mistake, here's help.
    
    Friend in NeedIdeas to help someone who needs you.
    
    It's Not Easy Being GreenFeeling jealous? Get help here.
    Our Pet DiedHere's some help to overcome the sadness.
    
    Starting Something NewNervous about starting something new? Here's help.
- Media Spot
  - MossySee how Mossy the turtle gets home.
    
    The HobbitHave a conversation with other Hobbit lovers.
    'Twas the Night Before ChristmasWant to get into the Christmas spirit? Try this!
Articles
- Weekly Blog Post
- Parenting Children
  - Look at Mine!See God's love of many colors!
    From HotSpot to HolySpotWho is really in the driver's seat?
    Waitng for a CueEvery child waits for a faith cue.
- Parenting Teens
  - Lost & FoundTeens on the journey to adult identity.
    Bible For BreakfastCan the Bible become a part of your teen's daily life?
    Chill Out!Manage your stress; lighten the burden!
- Grand-parenting
  - Many Wonderful FacesFind the best way to connect!
    The Joy of GrandparentingThey makes us more alive!
    
    Grandparenting from the InsideMy own life extending into the distant future.
- God-parenting
  - Being a GodparentNot easy being a godparent these days.
Library
- Listed by Audience
- Listed by Category
What's New!

Grandparenting From the Inside

By David M. Thomas, PhD, Grandparent

grandparentingfromtheinside

There are more grandparents per child than at any other time in history. There are more grandparents in the United States (about a million) who are primary caregivers for their grandchildren. And recently, I have noticed more children being brought to church by their grandparents. In other words, the world of grandparenting in both church and society is changing. And most of it is for the good, especially for us who now list “grandparent” as one of our treasured roles.

There is no simple way to identify grandparents. Some are old and some are not. Some are fragile while some are sprite and energetic. Some are economically secure and others struggle. Some are active and dedicated Christians, some reside in the camp of agnostics and atheists. No one-size fits all. But there is one thing, I believe, that often unites all grandparents: the initial feeling of holding one’s new grandchild, and that’s what I want to focus on here. I add that while the feeling is fleeting, like most feelings, it makes an indelible mark on our memories and forms the foundation of a lifelong love affair between grandparent and child.

Let’s reflect on three aspects of that feeling. I will speak personally here but I think my reaction is fairly commonplace. This feeling is also experienced in the birth (or adoption) of one’s own, but there’s something different with grandchildren. I think it has to do with distance. If I hold an object too close, it becomes blurry and unfocused. Grandchildren are distanced just right for a clearer view.

First, when I hold my new grandchild, I feel like I am touching my own life extending into the distant future. I am not just a past or a present, but very tangibly, a blessed future. I dwell in a place where time stretches out to what seems an infinite horizon. As H. G. Wells put it so well, “The shape of things to come.” My life is not just my own but it sits in something far greater and far more significant in the mystery of time. My grandchildren escort me ahead.

Second, because grandchildren come not from my own activity, they can be seen more fully as the gift they are. Life is always a gift from God. But as I grow older, I appreciate this more. This gifted aspect of life pours out of the tiny bodies of grandchildren into the hands and hearts of grandparents.

Finally, grandparent love is often very altruistic, benevolent, and caring. We can relate to the new life in our arms with a genuine freedom from the traps of self-interest, over-protectionism, or a need to control the child. In other words, grandparents may have more of a capacity to freely love grandchildren than even parents. A sign of this is when we truly play with them. They feel the freedom to be just themselves and so do we, a true embodiment of God’s love for all of us. In a sense, grandparents become sacraments of God’s abiding, deeply loving presence.

Only registered users can write comments!

Comments (1)

2012-09-10 20:09:22 |Congregational Subscriber| Diane Shallue - Thanks

I liked your list of aspects of the joy and love a grandparent feels for their grandchild. Thanks.

I'm New!

Learn about the features of Vibrant Faith @ Home and how they will benefit you!

When Life Happens

See how Vibrant Faith @ Home addresses your life needs.

My VF@Home

Learn how to customize your experience to save time and find just what you need.

Need Help? Contact Leif Kehrwald, VF@Home Team Leader
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Grandparenting From the Inside

I'm New!

When Life Happens

My VF@Home

Search VF@Home

VF @ Home Login