“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” (Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV)
Our grandchildren come in all shapes and sizes, each with a distinct personality. While some are quiet and rather soft-spoken, others are bigger than life. We know that love has come to visit whenever they eagerly tap on our door. They offer a love so entwined that it brings relief from our stubborn aches and pains and invites us to curl up, cuddle up, and connect heart-to-heart. Then, with our well-worn pockets full of godly wisdom and years of experience, we set aside all distractions and immerse ourselves into their stories.
Playing games with our grandchildren is the perfect time to reach into those pockets of wisdom and experiences to find a Scripture verse that relates to our activity. It’s all about teaching sound doctrine and illustrating how the Word of God is central to their lives. The Bible is far from boring, so we should make it a fun time! Here is a passage that I often choose:
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” (Psalm 139:1-4 ESV)
From an early age, playing hide-and-seek can teach children why and how they can hide from each other but can’t hide from God. God comes seeking us because He loves us and wants to bless us. He sees all things. Therefore, they never need to feel alone or frightened, because God is with them.
Thankfully, even as teens, our grandkids love to play board games with us. No matter how sophisticated the game, this passage from Psalm 139 is still an excellent reminder that no matter what age we are, no one can outsmart God! He knows all about us. He knows what we will say before we say it and what we will do before we do it. He can see whether we cheated or played a fair game.
Finally, dear friends, we have the privilege of sharing our lives with our children and grandchildren. Grandparents, make this the time to pass on the baton of faith “to your children and to their children after them”. And let us also be open to the things that they can teach us!
Prayer: Thank You, heavenly Father, for the blessing of children and grandchildren. May Your Holy Spirit guide them and teach them Your ways. Thank You for knocking at the doors of our hearts and filling every recess with Your unconditional love. Continue to fill our pockets with Your Word and guide our lips as we share precious time with our families. In Jesus’ name, we ask. Amen.
Copyright © 2022, by Lois Macdonald <loismacs5@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission