Thursday August 3, 2017  THE OLDER GENERATION SHALL TEACH THE YOUNGER GENERATION

Words are never adequate when it comes to expressing how very much I love my grandsons.  I throw my arms open wide and express to them that I love them even more than my arms reach.  Xander often reciprocates in kind.  Zach has attained the ripe old age of “almost 10” so he is not quite as demonstrative as he used to be. 

Such a greeting at the breakfast bar happened this morning.  Dave held me a tight embrace, kissing me over and over on the neck (see what I mean when I say he still makes me tingle) and the boys were watching with delight, big smiles on their face and grimacing at the same time.  I quickly came around back of them and gave them a little slimy neck nuzzle.  “Euuuuu” was what Zach exclaimed and Xander giggled in tickles of laughter.  I opened my arms wide and told him once again that I love him even wider than my arms can reach.  He looked up at Dave and I and said…”but I only love grandpa this much” as he held his hands about a foot apart. 

Well…grandpa was standing there and I could see he was concerned.  I asked Xander why he only loves grandpa “this much” and he replied with such seriousness, “Because grandma, you teach me more things”.  Then he giggles, holds his hands open to his full reach and looks at me with a mischievous grin and says, “I was only kidding, I really love him this much”!

Dave is a born worker, a hard and diligent worker.  He has also been my teacher for the past 45 years.  I am a born teacher and I usually see the lesson to be taught in most circumstances.  I thank God for what Dave taught me, and I thank God for what my oldest sister has taught me.

As I think about my sister my mind wanders back to my early childhood.  Velma left home when I was about 8 or 9 years old.  She very much fulfilled my craving desire to learn.  I was always curious and always wanted to know the “WHY” of whatever was happening around me.  I explored, I read, I discovered, and she shared her 9 years senior experience with me and probably taught me things I didn’t even want to know.  But I absorbed and still remember many of the things she taught.  My mother had a house full of kids in all stages and though she loved us tremendously she did not have enough hours in the day to give us the individual attention we probably needed.  Velma was my surrogate mother during my formative years.  She moved away from home when I was about 9 years old.  But she has never stopped teaching me.

Did Velma give me the love for learning or was I born with that desire?  Only God knows.  And as I watch children grow I can sometimes detect inborn traits, characteristic, talents that seem to come naturally with the birth package.  It is a true teacher that sees the heart of the child and encourages each individual to pursue developing their God given talents.  Also the true teacher sees the need of each child to be encouraged to accomplish that which is difficult.  The older generation has knowledge, life experience, and answers that the younger generation need to know.  Even when it might not be well received some information must be taught to prepare the child, young adult, or others to be equipped with what they need in order to be ready for “real life”.

A little mind is open to direction, unfortunately not all children’s living situations allow the child to learn and develop their talents and skills.  The scripture instructs the older generation to teach the younger generation.  And I don’t think it meant giving them technology to teach them in the way they should go.

What a privilege it is to be able to answer questions, instruct, and point out things the child would never even think about.  WOW!  God has really entrusted parents (and grandparents) with an awesome purpose!

THE MIND OF A CHILD IS AN OPEN SLATE

Kathleen Martens

August 3, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

How do we know the mind of God

From whence all wisdom flows?

How do we learn life’s basic skills?

From the world or someone we know?

So many children have no guidance

Other that TV, U-tube and porn;

Messages the world proclaims,

Not that for which we are born.

The mind of a child is an open slate

To be taught, instructed, and loved.

From whom better to receive the knowledge

Than the loving Father above?

And His word best instilled

When the child’s heart is new.

The older generation shall teach the young;

Using the Word of God as their tool.

There is so much more I could say about this topic.  I hope what I have said will give parents and grandparents the incentive to realize how important their role is in the lives of their children and grandchildren.  If we do not teach them, who will?

Thank You God for the inquiring minds of our children and grandchildren.

Thank You God for trusting us with two precious children to rear and two awesome grandchildren to love and teach in the way they should go.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

GOD BESS YOU!

And always remember that GOD LOVES YOU TOO!