Note to my grandchildren

A Note to My Grandchildren:

My dear ones,

If I could sit with you quietly,

with the world hushed around us,

this is what I would say.

Life passes faster than you think.

When I was young, I thought summers would stretch forever—

bare feet on hot pavement, fireflies blinking in the dusk,

ice cream dripping down my wrist.

But now, I see how quickly the seasons spin,

how childhood is a vapor,

and how precious every moment is.

I would tell you to linger.

To notice the way the light filters through the trees,

to listen when someone older tells a story,

to laugh loud and unashamed.

For these simple things become the treasures

you’ll hold onto when the years grow heavy.

I would remind you to love.

Not just in easy ways,

but in patient ways,

sacrificial ways,

the kind of love that chooses again and again,

even when no one says thank you.

That is the love that looks most like Jesus.

I would caution you not to rush.

The world will try to hurry you—

grow up faster, achieve more,

always chase the next thing.

But there is sweetness in the waiting,

beauty in the slow,

and wisdom that only comes

when you learn to be still.

I would share that pain will come.

Life will not spare you.

Hearts break, dreams shift,

and sometimes the road grows dark.

But I want you to remember:

God is still there in the shadows.

He is nearer than your breath,

and He will carry you when your strength is gone.

I would tell you how proud I am of you already—

not for what you’ve done,

but for who you are,

for the spark of light in your eyes,

for the laughter you scatter into the world,

for simply being you.

And most of all, I would want you to know this:

You are loved.

By me, yes.

But even more, by the One who made you.

His love is deeper than oceans,

stronger than mountains,

and steadier than time itself.

You will never outgrow it,

never outrun it,

never outlast it.

So, my sweet grandchildren,

hold on to wonder.

Hold on to kindness.

Hold on to Jesus.

And as the years unfold,

know that wherever life carries you,

my prayers go with you,

my love remains with you,

and my heart will always whisper—

what a gift it has been

to call you mine.

Always,

Your Grandparent