Lucy, Part 3: Loving Gigi

"For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well" -2Tim. 1:5 Grandmothers are the best. Reese, who is two and a half years old, and Lucy, who is four weeks old, have the best grandmothers ever. They call one "Gigi" and the other "Honey." They are both awesome women of God. "Honey" is Lisa, Mark's mom and "Gigi" is my Jeanie, Elizabeth's mom. Jeanie just returned from spending a couple of weeks in Des Moines after the birth of Lucy and had a great time. Of course, I survived on TV dinners and cereal, but I was more than glad to let Jeanie do her thing. When grandmothers "do their thing," blessing is enabled in many ways. Moms are supported. Jeanie spent many years rearing both Elizabeth and Eric and has a very experienced resume. It's like having a veteran sailor on the boat with you. When the sea grows stormy, everyone turns to the old captain (but Jeanie is certainly not old) for advice and support. And not only that, this veteran captain helped train the current captain. There is a trust already built between grandmother and daughter and mom can breathe a sigh of relief as she juggles all of her the responsibilities. Elizabeth and Jeanie are the best of friends and Elizabeth loves having her mom as Gigi. Grandkids are blessed. Reese and Lucy (though she's still tiny) absolutely love their Gigi. Reese and Lucy have a special bond with their grandmother. They sense the respect given grandmother by their mom. And that creates a bond that thickens their relationship. Their playtime, reading time and eating time are special. The security and confidence built into kids by their grandma is life changing and creates a positive springboard for future growth. Faith is passed. Just like Lois in the New Testament, the faith that is passed onto mom is meant to be passed to the kids. There is no better sermon than one lived out before the congregation. The life of faith lived out in a grandmother has an enormous effect on both mom and grandchildren. Gigi gave Reese a devotional book and Elizabeth said Reese just loves the stories. The building blocks for faith in God are being built early. Jeanie's example to the grandkids is life changing and eternal. Gigi's are encouraged. It's been said that, "the one who gives the blessing is the one most blessed." Jeanie absolutely loves her time with Reese and Lucy. We often pray for the kids and grandkids to be closer, but that's all in God's hands. For now, it's road trips and video chats to keep the connections up to date. Though Jeanie is back home now, she misses the time with Reese and Lucy. But the connection isn't about geography. It's about an emotional commitment and bond that are life long and life changing. Jeanie was raised and loved by her wonderful mother, who the grandkids call Granny. Jeanie's wonderful grandmother that we affectionately called Mamaw raised her. Mamaw passed away a few years ago, but her legacy lives on through her grandkids. Jeanie is a wonderful and wise woman with a compassionate heart and a servant attitude, all learned from Granny and Mamaw. Those same attributes are being passed from Mamaw to Granny to Gigi to Elizabeth, then on to Reese and Lucy. May the legacy continue. Thank you Gigi for your awesome example. And thank you Lord for making it all possible. By Eric Joseph Staples © www.parentingyourteen101.com