Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children (Proverbs 17:6).

As the old saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun”. This is so true when it comes to being a grandparent. That is why we are called “grand”!

So, as we prepare ourselves for another year of opportunities, here are five things grandparents can do that can – and will – make a profound difference in the lives of your grandchildren and their parents (yes, it is also important that, if we lift up by name our grandchildren to our heavenly Father, we make sure that we, and I can’t stress this enough, pray for our adult children and their partners as well).

Here are five things grandparents can always do:

1. Pray

There is never a time when prayer is wasted or not needed by someone in your family. Persistence is the key (Luke 18:1). As grandparents we know one of the most profound truths that we may have not considered when we were young and strong. What is it? God knows our families better than we do and there is nothing he cannot change, no matter how hard it may look to us.

2. Communicate

Text, call, even write letters telling them how much you love them and how much of a blessing they are to you. Be positive, especially with the words you use as you write and speak to them. Go further by reminding them that God has a plan for them and, following on from point one, tell them that you pray for them. Be intentional – it does matter. 

3. Influence 

This one is so often neglected. You are an influence; the only question is what type of influence? Yes, you are leaving a legacy for others to follow. So, ask yourself the question: what am I leaving behind that others can follow?

Also, don’t be hard on yourself if you are already in the last season of your life. It is never too late to start. I like how Job puts it when he says, “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12). Yes, as grandparents we not only know a thing or two, we have also seen a thing or two. If the world needs anything right now apart from love it is wisdom, and I believe that grandparents have that in buckets.

4. Play

Of course this might depend on the age of your grandchild or great-grandchildren. However, no matter their age, my point is that you should seek to be active with them in both word and deed. Never underestimate how they can pick things up from you, like your character and how you treat others. 

Even doing simple things like playing a card or video game, baking a cake, planting a tree, even digging a hole with them, can be so much fun. Especially if you need their help to get up (Isaiah 40:31).

5. Expectations

A final thought is tied in with our expectations. Sometimes we as grandparents think that if we do all the four things above that our grandkids will instantly value us, engage with us and their parents will finally come to realise that without us in their lives they are without all hope. 

If that is you – and we all have expectations about how others will react to us – just be careful. I seek to do the four things above, often badly, in the hope that my grandchildren will see Jesus in me. Grandparents are second only to parents. I encourage us all to grab hold of this time and to keep in mind that it is our grandkids’ eternal salvation that matters most (Acts 4:12).

Finally, if there is anything that is required of us in this age, it may be summed up in the word “discernment”. Don’t let the words – or even the whispers – of those around you make you believe that you are of no value and that you have nothing to say. It is simply not true (Psalm 145:4). What we now possess in wisdom alone is much more valuable than the things of this world. 

So let us pass on the baton of faith to those who follow us, with grace and kindness.

The Rev Ian Barnett is CEO and founder of the National Grandparent Movement