Honoring Our Grandparents Day

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:3-5 NIV
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” Proverbs 17:6 NIV
This day is so special to me because, like many of you, I was raised by my grandparents. National Grandparents Day falls each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. It’s not a holiday invented to sell cards and flowers. It was initiated at the grassroots level by West Virginian Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, with the behind-the-scenes support of her husband, Joseph L. McQuade. They had 15 children, 43 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. After being married for over 60 years, Mr. McQuade passed away in 2001. Mrs. McQuade passed away in 2008.
Mrs. McQuade wanted Grandparents Day to be a family day. She envisioned families enjoying small, private gatherings, perhaps even a family reunion, or participating in community events. On a societal level, National Grandparents Day gives us a chance to affirm publicly the identity and importance of grandparents and how they play a vital role in families. It is also a day of giving – giving of self, sharing hopes, dreams, and values, setting an example and advocating for future generations.
Mrs. McQuade started her campaign for a day to honor grandparents in 1970. She worked with civic, business, church, and political leaders to first launch the day in her home state in 1973. Then, after many years of persuasion and unending persistence, she finally achieved her bigger goal. It was in 1979 that President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first Sunday after Labor Day each year on National Grandparents Day (September was chosen to signify the “autumn” years of life).
National Grandparents Day is an important official marker of intergenerational relationships. However, schools and community groups are increasingly organizing Grandparents Day (or Intergenerational Day) events at any time during the year as a way to bring together families and build community. Children can show their appreciation and love for their grandparents (and other special older adult friends), and grandparents feel valued as their role is validated. There is also a wide range of meaningful activities you can choose from to bring the generations closer and celebrate the value of intergenerational relationships.
There are three purposes for National Grandparents Day:
1.To honor grandparents.
Paul writes in his letter to Timothy:
“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:3-5 NIV
Timothy was a native of Lystra or of Derbe in Lycaonia (Anatolia). When Paul and Barnabas first visited Lystra, Paul healed a person crippled from birth, leading many of the inhabitants to accept his teaching. When he returned a few years later with Silas, Timothy was already a respected member of the Christian congregation, as were his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, both Jews. In 2 Timothy 1:5, his mother and grandmother are noted as eminent for their piety and faith. Timothy is said to have been acquainted with the Scriptures since childhood. In 1 Corinthians 16:10, there is a suggestion that he was (by nature) reserved and timid: “When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord”.
Timothy was doing the work of the Lord because of his mother’s and grandmother’s faith.
To allow grandparents to show love for their children’s children.
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” Proverbs 17:6 NIV
There is nothing like a grandfather and grandmother’s love. They are not the same as they were when they were parents.
To help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer. If our children were raised like us, they would be more like us, etc…
I am what I am and who I am because of my grandparents. How about you?
Lord, we set aside this day to honor and
Remember our Grandparents and Seniors
who have lead the way and made this a better world for us. We ask you to bless their
hearts and memories. Amen.