TEAMWORK IN GRANDPARENTING
My wife and I raised 6 children, in addition to others who lived with us for anywhere from a few months to several years. We home schooled our children all the way through high school. I worked as a pastor and my wife as a nurse. Needless to say, it could get very hectic at times. The only way we could possibly do all that was by working together. Nancy and I had to work as a team. We had to share the load, switch roles from time to time, sacrifice and be willing to fit in wherever and whenever needed. Private time and personal pursuits were forsaken for the needs of the family.
God used this to stretch us and cause us to bond closer to Him and each other. Learning sacrifice is never easy, but it we are to become more like Jesus, it is an important lesson. It is one we are still learning for sacrifice and teamwork are still necessary, even with our children grown and gone.
Since our grandchildren live far from us, we spend more time traveling and visiting than at home (that’s not an exaggeration – we counted the days during the last 2 years!). We come into our children’s homes with the purpose of serving them and helping in any way we can. We babysit while they go on an evening date or for the week so they can get away alone together. We assist in any way we can, not taking over or getting in the way but being sensitive as to where we can make life easier and better for all of them.
We find our years of working together as a team “kick in” when we are with grandchildren. We share our roles taking care of the children the home, food, clothing, and such. We can switch roles or help each other as needed. To be honest, I think we work together very well, “like a well-oiled machine,” because we have been doing this for so long. We do it to serve each other as well as serve our children and grandchildren.
Psalm 92:14-15” They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”
Psa. 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
3 John 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
Whom has God given you to team up with in your service to others and to Him? Thank God for them and pray for them.
God Himself wants to team with us and help us through our daily journey. Have you learned to work together with Him in cooperation and trust? Thank Him for being willing to team up with you in life.