Being a Grandpa

Being a grandpa is great! What can I say but that I think this is about the best job I have ever had. I loved being a dad, and I love being a grandpa. I have at the moment six little, precious lives that call me by that name. I feel such pride when I hear their voices call me as if I were being given an honored status. I get hugs, kisses, and so much attention. They ask me questions, and they expect me to know the answers too. I tell them about things they are learning about for the very first time. Believe me, I am influencing their little lives as they are mine. They tell me stories and startle me with little phrases that leave me wondering where that came from.

How privileged I am to be married to the same woman for 44 years and have kids that love and respect me and now grandkids that shower me with love and affection. I have seen every kind of family in my years of working with families, and I know what I have. I have seen families torn apart by divorce, shattered by an abandoned father, devastated by a mother who left them for another man. I have seen families confused by unfaithfulness, embittered by betrayal and left estranged by abuse and shame, and my heart goes out to all of them.

I know that I am blessed and that God has done this for me. My wife and I have been faithful to each other, and we have given to our family an example of faithfulness, but we know that God has enabled us. I have what money can’t buy—an intimate relationship with my wife and children, which has given me this unique relationship with these little people that call me grandpa.

Society and culture tells me that my worth is seen in the external props, but I know better. (I couldn’t care less what society thinks). I know it comes from deep within and from my relationship with my creator. By pursuing what is inherently right, the values God has given me, I find myself surrounded by wealth, and on top of the list is my family.

My Investment Portfolio

On Friday, September 6, 2013, our fifth grandchild joined our family. His name is Boyd Josiah Brooks, named after his father and his grandfather. He weighed 8 lbs and was 20 ¾ inches long. He is a very handsome boy. He has two big sisters, Adela age 5 and Eliana age 3, who are very excited about their new brother. We are all excited to watch him grow and develop in the special way that God has designed for him.

I have had the opportunity to hold him and gaze into his little face with wonderment. Each time I hold one of these grandkids I stand in complete awe of the creator-God. He has formed them and has made each so unique. Holding little Josiah, these words from David seem to take on new meaning:

 

 Psalms 139:10-15

13 For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

I really enjoy these grandkids, and I spend as much time as I can with them. They bring so much joy and excitement to our lives. I never know how they will respond to my questions and teasing. Most of the time, I am completely speechless.

I consider my grandkids to be my primary investment portfolio in life. I don’t how many years I have left on the earth, but ever how many they are, I want them to be fruitful. I want to be able to invest in the lives of these special people the way Marilyn and I did into our children.

We often hear about the risks and disappointments of getting older. I want to tell you that one of the best things that has happened in my life is becoming a grandpa. I intend to enjoy this to the hilt.

I don’t get see my California grandkids as often as I would like. However, they will be coming to Missouri in November, so I plan on spending some time with Donovan age 6, and Caitlin age 3.

My Grand Kids