One thing learned from being a Grandma is that we have great influence over our grandkids. While we don’t have the responsibility of raising them (most of us anyway), we still have an opportunity to impact their lives for God.

Now that my grandkids have reached 5 and 6, it got me wondering what I can do be a good example? Does my life exemplify all that is good and true? Do I demonstrate in my life all the traits that I want them to have? We need to ask ourselves if we are good role models for our grandkids. I may be dating myself here: I remember a commercial that showed a little boy washing the car with his father. The little boy did everything exactly as the Dad did. Then the father lit up a cigarette. The frame froze and a deep voice belted, “Like father, like son…” Point taken? Well this commercial has always stuck in my mind. In many ways our grandkids will follow the example of not only their parents, but the example we set, whether good or bad. That’s why it is so important to “walk the walk” not just “talk the talk”.

Do you want your grandkids to take their education seriously? What are you doing to set the standard? When they come to visit do they find you reading in your spare time or watching TV? Are you enrolled in any continuing education or college classes to further your own education? Do you display a thirst for knowledge, trying to increase your own learning?

Do you want your grandkids to show respect? Do you value their parents, your spouse, and grandchildren? Do you treat your others respect? Are you patient and kind? Do you do random acts of kindness?

Do you want your grandkids to have self-discipline and be able to control their temper? What are you doing to set the standard? Do you calmly meet a crisis or does it send you into a temper tantrum or fit of rage? Your grandkids will pick up on your actions much quicker than your words.

My point? Examine your life! Make sure you are living in such a way that you’d be proud to have your grandkids follow your pattern of living. Be that beacon, radiating such a strong light from your life that your grandkids will be able to see it through the cloudiness and confusion of the this world, leading them to become strong, healthy adults.