Grandchildren are a special gift as is the joy of passing on God’s grace in Jesus to the next generation.

One snowy January, our family was enjoying a weekend in Decorah, Iowa. We decided to play a game called Loaded Questions. I was to guess whose secret answer was whose, when the question “What’s the best gift you have received in the last six months?” came up. Our son and his wife exchanged glances and a whispered “Should we?” When they said “our baby,” I laughed and cried. Not only was this their first child, but this was also our first grandchild. A loaded question indeed!

Almost five years later, Grandma Ann and Grandpa Dave (as we have come to be called) are now blessed with three precious grandchildren. “Children’s children are a crown to the aged” (Proverbs 17:6) is absolutely true. Witnessing the miracle of the next generation baptized into God’s kingdom, recognizing your son’s eyes in his son’s face, marveling at the sweetness of a sleeping child, watching your grandchild explore God’s creation or master a milestone—what a blessing! Grandkids give you an excuse to play hide and seek, crawl under a table, read a silly book, or blow bubbles. It’s a chance to play, love, and experience the fun and wonder of childhood all over again!

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation” (Psalm 71:18).

Grandparenting can also be a challenge. Not every grandchild lives across town. Although photos and video calls help, sometimes the carefully planned and longed-for face-to-face visits, birthday parties, or holidays are frustrated by bad weather, illness, or other circumstances. Even in these situations, God is working for good as he allows families and grandparents to grow in faith, patience, and love.

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation” (Psalm 71:18). First and foremost, our grandchildren are God’s children. What a special gift they are to us and what a special blessing we can be to them as we play but also pray with (and for) them, take them on trips to the store but also to church, read library books and Bible stories, sing nursery rhymes and “Jesus Loves Me,” and help support their parents to “start children off on the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6).

What’s the best gift you’ve received in the last six months? For grandparents, may it be the blessing of passing on God’s grace in Jesus to the next generation and growing along with our families in faith! We love you, Collins, Miller, and Lainey! How amazingly wonderful that Jesus loves you even more!

Author: Ann Ponath
Volume 113, Number 09
Issue: September 2026
Photo: iStock