Wanna see pure, unadulterated joy? Go to a children’ school choir event for their grandparents and watch not only the wee participants, but also the sweet adoring grandparents and special friends of the family. The room palpitates with pride, love, and lots of sweetness. Both children and grandparents light up the room and their hearts with smiles. Children range in age from kindergarten to sixth grade. The smaller the child, the bigger he seems to feel. If the little ones aren’t precious enough, the grands almost equal the priceless effect as they wave and cheer on their legacies. To start the program—which will be singing—the tiniest prodigies march in while the grandmas and grandpas begin their waving and sending their kisses via air mail. The little tykes respond in kind with their own kisses. Sheer delight pulsates through the room with the singing of a “grandparents” song expressing all the importance of the older one’s influence upon these young lives, leaving the audience with heart-warming affection without a shred of embarrassment. Also, some groups of kids hold signs featuring the ages of their grands, like from 42 to 85. Since this performance was at a Christian school, children also hold signs with Scriptures, such as, “You are God’s Masterpiece.” The little ones even showed their knowledge of the Armor of God for their protection: Breastplate of Righteousness, Shield of Faith, Belt of Truth, Sword of the Spirit, Helmet of Salvation, and Shoes of Peace. I was impressed that the children were already learning how to guard themselves against the enemy.
The program also included the Scripture Psalm 100:5, “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” How apropos. While superficially this was a lesson in cuteness and love between grandparent and child, the deeper message is the importance of a godly influence upon a life and its positive, immeasurable imprint. Who impacted you and your family? How long has that influence been touching lives? My godly grandmother’s significance has likely left her indelible mark for Christ for about 100 years. Never underestimate the impact of one godly person. May that person be you in someone’s life.