Grandma and Grandpa?

Psalm 71:18  So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Thom invited Eliot, Peter and me along on a business trip this past week.  We didn't go far, just to Connecticut.  The 4 Amigos on an adventure.  We went to parks during the mornings, ate at McDonald's for lunch where the boys climbed like monkeys through the play place.  Then after nap time for Peter, (and Mommy!) we went swimming in the hotel pool!  I can't even begin to describe the strange looks and the pointed questions I received.  But Grandma and Grandpa?  Well, at least we got a free breakfast out of it and a chance to boast in what God was doing in our lives and the lives of our boys.

(Back Story 1)  It was the last day of our stay in CT.  Thommy's company provided food vouchers for him each morning, but not for us.  So on our last day we brought the boys down to the dining area where we were promptly greeted by our hostess.  She was Hispanic and noticed Eliot right away commenting on how handsome he was and she couldn't resist tweaking Peter's cheek.  Finally, as we were finally in our seats with all table condiments out of reach, our hostess walked over and asked the boys, "Is Grandma and Grandpa going to get you your food now?"  We laughed and shared our story briefly with her and there were tears in her eyes.  She looked straight into my eyes and said, "This is a very good thing you have done!"  We boasted in the goodness of God to us that He would give us such precious little ones.  When we went to leave, she gave me a little hug, said good-bye to the boys and told Thom that his voucher was all she needed.  We thanked her for her kindness and left.  God entered into that meal, that hotel dining room, that hotel employee's world and was dazzling.

I remember sitting at McDonald's one afternoon and looking around the play area.  It was like a Grandparent support group.  Lots of gray hair bragging on their grandchildren.  Even when the kids acted out, Grandma or Grandpa would handle the situation calmly and with a smile.  Wisdom.  What broke my observation was a loud, "Mommy, Peter is going up the tube and got stuck!  Can you please come and get him?"  You know those moments when the room gets quiet and all eyes fasten on you?  Well, welcome to my moment.  And what entertainment I must have provided for all the folks as I kicked off my shoes and lumbered my way into the first section of tube grabbing Peter's foot and pulling the giggly boy down.  Fortunately, this time I didn't get stuck.

Psalm 71:9  Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.

It almost seems to me that boasting in what God has done isn't enough when it comes to parenting Eliot and Peter.  He certainly has far exceeded our hopes and prayers for Emily and Megan.  My God called us in our weakness to do something that only His strength could complete.  But as I look to these scriptures I am thrilled that even at the ripe old age of 51 I have a great purpose.  I get to proclaim to our little boys, and all the little friends along the way, the reason why, the Gospel.  And just like with the girls, we get the joyful privilege of training them up in the Gospel of Jesus and hope for their salvation.  Our work isn't done! The most relieving thoughts I have had recently are simply that I don't need physical strength to do this glorious job.  God's grace will complete the work here.  I have His promise that He will not forsake or leave me, that He will be my strength in weakness.

So when I am older and grayer, my sons will just be turning 20, and hopefully, by God's grace, God's word will dwell richly in them and the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be such a passion for them that they will take up the mantel from us, like their sisters and tell all the nieces, nephews, friends, cousins, Aunties and Uncles rippling out to future generations that Jesus is Alive and stands ready to save.  And by God's grace they will love the church and serve her well, bringing the light of Jesus into their homes and communities.  That my friends is worth so much more than all the stares and Grandma and Grandpa comments.

O Dear Lord, if you tarry and I live even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.  Here I am, your humble servant, use me!