Torch, Fall 1986

8 Grandhelping P salm 127:3,5: "Lo, children are an heritage from the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward ....Happy is the man who hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed . ... " Children ARE a heritage , but I believe we also must LEAYE a heritage of wonderful learning tools and skills. It would be tragic not to pass along 70 or 80 years of knowledge and skills. The Lord can give us the ability to teach the new little ones God sends along. For those of us senior adults who are blessed in living close to our families and are often a part of the nucleus, there is tremendous potential for nurturing. We can help in instructing and aid in emphasizing the truths and principles that our children are instilling in their children. What are some areas where we senior adults in the home can minister? Perhaps grandparents can undertake to clear the table after dinner with the children assisting . Together they can leave the kitchen in apple-pie order. If both parents work outside the home, preparing the evening meal could be an ideal arrangement. Grandma may be a terrific candy or cookie maker. Happy hours can be spent together not only learning to make some yummies , but also learning godly precepts from the senior's Christian experience. Then, of course, there is the art of garment making. Patterns are wonderful items to use for a spiritual application of patterns for Christian living. by Marabeth Elmore Grandfather can watch for areas around the house needing minor repairs. This is an ideal way to teach youngsters "how to" skills . Together they can garden, trim shrubbery , wash windows , shovel snow , or make electrical or plumbing repairs. A senior who studies plants or species of birds can be a good guide for a nature hike. A nearby zoo can provide hours of fun with the children. Perhaps the senior knows an old hymn or some school song that the children have never heard which would please them. I remember how my father held me on his lap and sang "The Preacher and the Bear" in his fine tenor voice. His songs were just for me. How cozy' Whatever talents the Lord has blessed us with we can share with our progeny. A book read aloud is a book better remembered. How wonderful to amble together through descriptive paragraphs. As we seniors find life moving at a slower pace , perhaps our room or home can be a place for sharing good books with children. We can set a regular story time to share this special experience. At the age of 70 , Laurence Housman commented about the contribution reading made to his family in The Unexpecred Years: "These family readings formed so satisfying a bond between older and younger that I can hardly think of family life without it ." A good set of "best reading" is C. S . Lewis' Chronicles of Narn ia. Also high on the recommended list are George MacDonald ' s books. I am thankful for