I have been thinking about the power of a grandparent’s influence so much lately. It probably has something to do with the fact that my parents have been out of town for 2 months and at the same time my in-laws were gone for a month of that! It was a weird time. I know many people don’t live close to parents, but we have always lived nearby. It was eye opening. I really truly missed my talks with both of my mom’s. I love when they come over and spend time with me. I know the kids love it so much, but I just didn’t realize how much I needed it!

There is nothing like a grandparent. The blessing that my parents and my husbands parents have been to us while we are raising our children, has been priceless. They have swooped in and rescued us when we needed a date night, helped clean a kitchen, turned over a load of laundry, brought a package of diapers, made a Costco run for us, and the list goes on and on. As much as I have loved the babysitting and help, I will say that there are more important things to me than just having help.

Cultivating a good relationship with our parents is one of the best gifts we can give our children. Showing our children how we can get along with our parents and how we can put aside differences in order to have a relationship is communicating so much to our children. They need to see us working through generational differences and age gaps, possible past hurts and learning to live together in community. I want my children to see that I am different from their grandma’s and grandpa’s, and that it is okay to be different! They aren’t perfect, and neither am I. Thankfully we serve a God who is.

Why do we fail to seek advice and wisdom from those who have gone ahead of us? I know for me, pride seems to be my biggest reason. I don’t want anyone to think I can’t handle things, or that I don’t have things under control. The truth is, I don’t have it under control! I need to be seeking Christ to guide me through my days, and also use the living examples He has given me on this earth. Let’s ask our mother’s ( or mother-in-laws, step-moms, grandmas, etc.) for advice! Let’s go to them when we are feeling overwhelmed and discouraged! Who better to understand than those who have gone before us. They want to be there for us. I believe, from my experience, that they don’t want to overstep boundaries by offering unsolicited advice. Reach out and ask for help! It won’t kill us, although it may feel that way to some of us.

Let us show our children how we can glean and learn from our parents. Let us show our children that leaving a legacy starts by embracing who and where we have come from.

Blessings,

Brandy Maddox