I didn't expect to like this role, this season, as much as I do. To sit and watch the next generations begin to find themselves and their giftedness and calling is a lovely grace. Even when their paths get treacherous I can lift them up to the Lover of their souls and be confident that all will be well. Because He loves them even more than I do. And my need to rescue, fix, or save fades.
Two days ago my oldest granddaughter gave birth to her first child, a son. Even as I am sure she is going to be an excellent mother, I am coming to terms with being a great grandmother and how it is a form of retirement. It's a process, a major life passage like becoming a mother for the first time. I very well remember reaching the place where I knew I had graduated from the rescue, fix and save phase. This is a bit different. I feel like I am fading but not in a bad way - just slipping backward in the inevitable process of place holding until it's time to become a memory. That sounds sad but it's the circle of life God created and no form of AI can mimic or replace.
Every stage of life has its opportunities as well as its limitations. For me, the trick to accepting, with grace, the negatives is to seek out any and all positives too. Humor is an asset. For example, my older brother, who has several great grands, shared with me that one perk of being a great grand is that you don't have to babysit because they don't trust you with the baby. 😂
I think you will love it! I've just been w 4 of my grandboys while their parents are on a trip. Three of them were sick most of the time. But it was so sweet to be with them--we live far apart.
More and more, I am seeing the wisdom and benefit of age as I interact with young momma's in my neighborhood and church. That quiet encouragement, that word of support, and " I'm here" is so needed.. Face you face! May we in the older generation be a Paul to those Timothy's around us!
What an excellent piece this is! I am teaching our adult class on Sunday on the "unexpected gifts of the season", and now I'm thinking of the double meaning of that topic - not only the Advent season but the season in which we Sage Agers find ourselves. I plan to quote from this article. Thank you for helping me teach others this week!
While this piece was written by Judy Allen, we are grateful for all of those who've added their words to the conversation here - including our friend, Judy Douglass.
I didn't expect to like this role, this season, as much as I do. To sit and watch the next generations begin to find themselves and their giftedness and calling is a lovely grace. Even when their paths get treacherous I can lift them up to the Lover of their souls and be confident that all will be well. Because He loves them even more than I do. And my need to rescue, fix, or save fades.
Two days ago my oldest granddaughter gave birth to her first child, a son. Even as I am sure she is going to be an excellent mother, I am coming to terms with being a great grandmother and how it is a form of retirement. It's a process, a major life passage like becoming a mother for the first time. I very well remember reaching the place where I knew I had graduated from the rescue, fix and save phase. This is a bit different. I feel like I am fading but not in a bad way - just slipping backward in the inevitable process of place holding until it's time to become a memory. That sounds sad but it's the circle of life God created and no form of AI can mimic or replace.
Yes, something drastically shifts when another generation comes into being ... & our legacy has another opportunity to become richer, fuller, deeper.
Every stage of life has its opportunities as well as its limitations. For me, the trick to accepting, with grace, the negatives is to seek out any and all positives too. Humor is an asset. For example, my older brother, who has several great grands, shared with me that one perk of being a great grand is that you don't have to babysit because they don't trust you with the baby. 😂
Ha! But then I will miss the time with them.
Yes, richer, fuller, deeper.
I think you will love it! I've just been w 4 of my grandboys while their parents are on a trip. Three of them were sick most of the time. But it was so sweet to be with them--we live far apart.
It's a very good time, but with big challenges as well.
More and more, I am seeing the wisdom and benefit of age as I interact with young momma's in my neighborhood and church. That quiet encouragement, that word of support, and " I'm here" is so needed.. Face you face! May we in the older generation be a Paul to those Timothy's around us!
It's a joy and a privilege and an opportunity.
What an excellent piece this is! I am teaching our adult class on Sunday on the "unexpected gifts of the season", and now I'm thinking of the double meaning of that topic - not only the Advent season but the season in which we Sage Agers find ourselves. I plan to quote from this article. Thank you for helping me teach others this week!
The longer I'm in this season, the more I love it.
Thank you, Judy, for wise words that help to confirm some of the decisions I have made in the past year.
Said the one who is always overflowing with wise words.
😍
Beautiful Judy. Thank you
Thanks, Rachel. I think Michelle wrote it--I just shared it.
While this piece was written by Judy Allen, we are grateful for all of those who've added their words to the conversation here - including our friend, Judy Douglass.
Thank you for reminding us of the power of community, Michele. God never intended us to make this journey alone.