One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your might acts. Psalm 145:4
Nothing brings hope like stories from a grandparent. There's something magical. Hearing tales of difficult times - times where there was great need and too little money - times when there was more love in the house than food... hearing of these times makes the troubles of today seem a little less significant.
Unfortunately, too many grandparents don't understand their power. I never really knew my grandparents. We moved quite a bit, but even living on the same property for three years didn't make the difference. Kids were a nuisance. Sometimes I wonder if life wouldn't have seemed so tough if I had known them better. Would I have struggled to love myself if I knew they loved me just because I was me? It might have helped counterbalance the rejection I felt from those closer to me.
Lord, I am not a nuisance. I missed out, but they did too. What an opportunity we have to bring hope to this world by sharing ourselves - with our children and eventually our grandchildren. I am still a few years away from being a grandfather, but it's never too early to ask for Your blessing, Father. Help me to someday bring hope to many children. Help me to nurture the relationships with my children, so I will always be welcome. Help me to commend Your works to a thousand generations.