Drove to Peachtree City this morning to visit the grandchildren and go to church with them. Went by Shady Oaks and was afraid they’d keep me if I stopped. Bertha, my Tahoe, wanted to drive in and check out the parking but I persevered and we kept going. The sky was cloudy, full of grays and vanilla creams, spitting out a little rain but it couldn’t put a damper on my happiness.

Today was a glorious day for me and my grandmothering. My oldest grandson was confirmed in the All Saints Anglican Church this morning and my son and his wife were reaffirmed into the church. Archbishop Foley Beach conducted the services and it was full of pomp and circumstance. I was so proud of Alexander. He is as his Granddaddy said, “A fine little fella!” We had treats after the service as the church dedicated a new parish hall and a new youth building. It’s a beautiful church and Thomas and his family are enjoying their membership. It was a happy event and yes I shed a few tears thinking how proud Chief would be on this day.

After the church services, Alexander with help from his Dad and some of his fellow scouts, installed three benches he had constructed for his Eagle Scout project along a beautiful walking trail in the woods in their neighborhood. He had noticed the older benches were in disrepair and decided to construct new benches for his project. The benches are really beautiful and blend into the scenery. I wanted to sit down on the first one on the trail and watch for birds but Alexander said I had to wait several days for the cement to dry that anchors the benches. I will definitely sit and bird watch on my next visit.

I was thinking how wondrous the love is I receive from my grandchildren and what an important part a grandparent’s role is to a child. We love them unconditionally and they love us and accept us as we are. We tell them stories of their parents growing up and share recipes and family traditions and the occasional Whoopi cushion. We laugh at their nonsense and they laugh at our corny jokes. Grandchildren are such fun! We talk of their great-grandparents and it gives them comfort to know their family history and where they belong in the family unit. Our attention and unconditional love helps them feel safe and secure. And I think grandchildren help us live happier, longer lives.

Then I started thinking about Jesus and his grandparents, wondering if Jesus climbed up in is maternal grandmother Saint Anne’s lap and listened to stories of his mother’s growing up. Did his grandfather Heli, Joseph’s father, hold Jesus’s little hand in his calloused hand and teach him the name of the songbirds as they walked and talked. Jesus chose to live a real human life and his interactions with his immediate family are interesting to ponder on. And I never really thought about it till today.

We think of God as a father figure but he fulfills the role of grandparent, too. And in lots of our minds he looks the part with long white hair and kind blue eyes. God’s love is unconditional and he’s patient and compassionate and generous. He honestly listens to our prayers and helps us with things we worry about. You’ll never had a more loyal or faithful friend. His hand is alway reaching out for us to help guide us on our journey through life.

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” — Desmond Tutu