Always having time for one more story

It seems like yesterday that our son and daughter-in-law announced they were going to have a baby, and since then, between them and our daughter and her husband, we now have four amazing grandchildren. With all of these miracles, each child has absolutely captured our hearts, and I think about them all the time. We love to buy them toys and clothes, and I'm planning the things I want to share and experience with them. I realize that everyone who has grandchildren feels this overflowing fountain of love.

When my wife and I were young parents, we did not fully appreciate when older people would tell us how excited they were about their grandchildren, along with showing us never-ending albums of photos. We get it now. They were beaming with pride and thanksgiving and wanted the whole world to see these beautiful individuals who had no limits to what they could do or who they could be. In the last few years, I've found myself doing the same thing. Saying things like, "He has long arms and legs, probably going to play sports," or "She is so alert and curious, I know she is going to be very smart." I'm more than ready to provide unlimited cuddles and kisses and an endless supply of cookies and candy, not being strict about bedtime curfews, and always having time for one more story.

There is so much I want to see and know about my grandchildren's lives as they grow up. I want to encourage and talk with them about everything and share what I've learned about the mysteries and joys of this life. At the same time, these relationships remind me of what a serious responsibility I have to be a good role model, to demonstrate, inspire, and help point them in the right direction to the best of my ability. I remember when my children were small, we would tuck them in at night, pray over them, and ask God and His angels to protect them. I would also ask the Lord to give them wisdom and favor and to bless and help them in their decisions and opportunities. I feel the same fervency for this next generation, and I will also intercede for them as they explore and search for their place in this world. I pray they will know God and will grow up to be people of integrity and honesty. I hope I am around long enough to watch them develop into the men and women He has called them to be.

I remember my grandparents and how much they meant to me as a little boy. I can still hear my papaw singing little songs about me that he would make up, and how special it made me feel. I was the first grandchild and recall how my grandparents would hug and kiss me every time they saw me. I know they were filled with joy and love for me. When I was growing up, my dad and my grandfather worked together in their own construction business. Occasionally, in the summer, my papaw would take me home with him. Sometimes I would stay for a whole week, and those adventures were some of my most cherished childhood memories. On the way to their farm, he would always stop at this little country store and buy me a bottle of orange crush and a candy bar. We would go to the creek where I tried to catch crawdads, and he would take me fishing in his wooden boat on the Kentucky River. We would bring our fish home, and later, we enjoyed a fish fry, thanks to my grandmother. I always had their attention...it's a wonderful feeling to know you are loved.

Someone said, "Grandparents make the world a little softer...a little kinder...and a little warmer." They must have had grandparents like mine. Today, as a Grandfather, I'm looking forward to making lasting memories together with my grandchildren. As I close with a poem by Teri Harrison, I am united with all the other proud and grateful grandparents who, since the beginning of time, have enjoyed this great honor. "I stroked your little hand, perfect sweetness as we touched. I whispered that I loved you...loved you so very much. I held you close to me, memorized your darling face. I've waited so long, my heart now touched by grace. We are bonded together, an amazing journey has begun. You're my heart, you're my joy, my precious little one."

Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, teacher, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com