Rockstar GrandparentSample

“Shine Your Light”

While my husband and I are in the stage of life that offers us fewer days, we are not content to be done yet. We still have a family to lead and children to influence for good. Our job is to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren that will cause them to continue to fight for what is right and good. 

The Bible often speaks about heritage and legacy living. From the verses in today’s Scripture—and many more like them—we see the impor­tance of leaving the things we value to our children and grandchildren. 

A legacy is simply what people want to pass down to their offspring. Business ideas, valued principles, lifestyle choices, family recipes, favor­ite traditions, and (if there is any left) money are all examples of the kinds of things people value and want to leave with their family when they are gone. Sadly, many families fight over the money left to them after the death of a loved one, when it’s the intangible things that really hold the most importance.

I think of leaving a legacy as shining your light, making a difference in the lives of those around you. Your light doesn’t have to be the biggest and brightest light to make an impact on your family. You have to shine only enough to affect your corner of the world with love and happiness.

I have a precious memory of Sadie and Macy combing 2-papa’s hair into the craziest hairdo while we rode the subway to the US Open. The kids will never remember who played that day or who won. They will remember 2-papa letting them fix his hair and everyone on the subway laughing at him. In that moment, 2-papa was a shining example of let­ting go and having fun with his grandkids.

There’s no amount of money or fame that can take the place of making your grandkids feel loved, protected, and supported. They won’t care if you own the com­pany or if you won the Super Bowl, but they will remember you chasing them around the living room, growling like a bear, or bringing them cookies before a big game.

Shining as grandparents is the easiest shine we’ll ever do. It doesn’t require much, but it offers everything. 

I know you can do it. Why? Because you’re a rock star!

Rockstar grandparent, take action! When you are with your grandchildren, don’t worry so much about where to go and what to do. Focus on leaving them with memories of who you are, what they mean to you, and how much they are loved.