Our Family is growing

 I found out today that this coming May, I'm going to be a great-grandpa. My oldest granddaughter, Autumn, and her husband, Ryan, are going to be parents—and my heart is overflowing with a joy I can hardly put into words.

I'm really not sure how to feel about it except for this deep, extreme joy that washes over me. I mean, I'm getting older, of course and I expected eventually one of my grandkids would procreate, but I already knew that, and honestly, this news fills me with so much hope and something beautiful to look forward to in the days ahead. Autumn's dad, my oldest son Shaun, shared the news with me earlier today, his text full of excitement as he told me that he and my beautiful daughter-in-law, Heidi, are going to be "Grammy and Poppy"  now. It warms my soul just thinking about it. I have to tell you though, this whole idea of choosing special grandparent and great-grandparent names—or at least deciding what the little ones will call you—feels like such a modern tradition to me. Growing up, my grandparents were simply Grandma and Grandpa or Granddad, no matter which side of the family. It was Grandma and Granddad Davis or Grandma and Grandpa McDougle, with all the love and familiarity that came with those simple titles. The same went for my great-grandparents—we just called them Grandma or Grandpa, and it felt right, like home. If I were to choose something other than Grandpa, I'd probably wait until the child was old enough to start babbling those first sweet sounds, and let them decide what sticks to my heart. But I didn't do that, obviously, because I'm just Grandpa—and that's more than enough for me.

Truthfully, though, it wouldn't matter one bit if they just called me 'Hey, you.' What truly touches me is this incredible blessing from God, allowing me to witness life unfolding and continuing on in such a miraculous way, knowing that a precious piece of me—of our family's love and stories—will carry on long after I'm gone. At least that's my deepest hope, and it brings tears to my eyes just imagining it. This moment captures the profound joy and sacred sense of legacy in becoming a great-grandparent, emphasizing how life's beautiful thread weaves through generations, binding us all together. The Bible echoes this so tenderly, portraying grandparents as cherished links in passing down faith, wisdom, and boundless blessings to those who come after. For instance, Proverbs 17:6 declares, "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers," reminding me how these little ones bring such honor, fulfillment, and a radiant light to our later years. It perfectly aligns with my heartfelt excitement about seeing "a piece of me" endure, as grandchildren feel like the crowning jewel of a life filled with love.

Scripture also gently stresses the sacred responsibility and sheer blessing of this generational continuity, something that stirs my spirit deeply. In Deuteronomy 4:9, God lovingly instructs, "Teach them to your children and to their children after them," urging us grandparents to share our spiritual truths and life lessons with open hearts, nurturing the souls of our descendants. Similarly, Psalm 78:5-6 speaks of commanding "our fathers to teach to their children that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn," highlighting how my role as a great-grandpa can be about pouring out values, stories, and faith to ensure it blossoms eternally in their lives.

On this theme of an enduring legacy that tugs at my heartstrings, Psalm 103:17 assures us so comfortingly, "But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children," promising that God's unwavering faithfulness will flow through my family line like a divine river of grace. And in Genesis 17:7, God establishes an "everlasting covenant" with Abraham and "your descendants after you in their generations," beautifully illustrating how our family bonds are woven into God's eternal plan, a thought that fills me with awe and gratitude. These verses reinforce my tender hope that life—and the gentle influence of my love—will carry on, transforming the quiet passage of aging into a heartfelt celebration of God's ongoing masterpiece through our generations.

My casual approach to those grandparent names resonates so deeply with the Bible's wise focus on substance over mere titles; what truly matters is the love, guidance, and warmth we provide, as seen in these generational callings that touch the soul. I'm absolutely thrilled and moved by this milestone—it's a living testament to the biblical truth that family is God's most precious gift, designed to echo His infinite love across the tapestry of time, and I can't wait to hold that little one in my arms.