A Tribute to Grandmothers
Grandmothers, without whom my life would have been greatly impoverished!
We all have grandmother figures whom we look up to, and at some point we all wonder what to do to be a good grandmother. What can we learn from these ladies' examples that will give us greater impact with our own children, grandchildren and other young people in our spheres of influence?
Maternal
My maternal grandmother spoiled us. Not rotten, but we definitely knew we were special. While at home we only ever got blah (i.e. good for you) cereals, Grandma always had our favorite cereals on hand when we arrived for our summer visit, and we were allowed to choose whichever one we wanted on the next shopping trip! Her big four poster canopy bed was a special place reserved for reading while snuggled in luxury! From
From her, I learned that a good grandmother:
- makes others feel special without spoiling them
- makes time to read and snuggle
- shows more love than frustration
Paternal
My paternal Grandma's impact on my life extends beyond the culinary and sewing arts, in that, while teaching me those things, she also patiently taught me how to feed and dress the soul. We knew our grandparents had a date with the Lord each morning over breakfast, and often we arrived at their door just in time to hear the final Bible reading and listen to them pray through the list of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Grandma taught me that the best grandmother:
- is joyful in serving her family and is a gracious hostess
- is meticulous in her responsibilities (Yes, there is a right way to tuck in bedsheets!)
- delights in simple pleasures and sees God's object lessons in everyday living
- actively keeps her mind”stayed on Him”
- prays for her family regularly
I know that “blood is thicker than water”, but I also know that there may be some reading this who may not be biological mothers, and may feel like you don't have an influence. You couldn't be more wrong! Every woman can positively influence those God puts in your path, even if they aren't any “blood relation”. You may never know the full impact of your example, influence, and love.
Others
Grandma Madge was a family friend whose influence made a huge impact on my young life. I still remember her guest room with one end piled to the ceiling with fabric scraps, her fabulous handmade quilts, her special raisin cookies, her gourd water dipper hung by the cool mountain stream a few yards from her house, her flower garden filled with gorgeous hydrangeas and bleeding hearts, her concentrated listening to the “important things” a child wanted to share with her, and hearing her prayers for others.
From her, I learned that a good grandmother:
- has time to listen to the joys and woes of “little people”
- inspires and cultivates beauty all around her
- selflessly loves and gives to others, speaking life into them
Grammy is another family friend who has had a grandmother's influence in my adult life. Grammy has a way of giving straight-talking counsel without stinging, and she knows the secret of encouraging without puffing one up.
Though I will never attain to her level of graciousness, hospitality, generosity and pie making excellence, (I do aim to give it my best shot), I have learned from her that a great grandmother:
- holds loosely to this world's goods
- knows how to love the unlovely
- knows how to do the hard things with joy
- Inspires and motivates others to excellence
- will stop and pray with you over anything at any time of day or night
Are You a Good Grandmother?
- What memories or qualities of your Grandmother have made the biggest impact on your life?
- Was a legacy left to you that you desire to replicate?
- What legacy do you wish to leave behind?
- Is there anything you can do today to begin being the grandmother you hope to become?
- Who has God placed in your life who needs a mother's or grandmother's influence?
- What will you do to begin making a difference in that young (or younger) person's life?
- Loving your Young Grandchildren
- Loving your Adult Grandchildren
- How to be a Good Grandparent to Homeschoolers
- 8 Things Grandparents can do to Connect with Out of Town Grandchildren
- Traveling with Grandparents: 5 Life Lessons to Teach your Grandkids
- A Grandparent's Roles in the Family
- Camping with Grandkids
- How to Host a Cousin Camp for the Grandkids
Mrs. Joseph Wood says
Katie, these are great tips! As a grandma, I know I can always use the reminders to make these moments count!
Katie Hornor says
Grandmother’s are the best! Thanks for stopping by today!
Sybil Brun says
Katie, this is really great! Thanks for linking up with Make A Difference Mondays!
Katie Hornor says
So glad you liked it Sybil!
Nadine says
I think it is amazing that you blog also about grandparents. They were and have become such an important part the life of grandchildren. Especially grandparents who regularly look after their grandkids because both parents work.
Katie Hornor says
Thanks for your sweet words Nadine. Grandparents are incredible blessings!
Elizabeth says
Great post and words to live by in whatever we do in life. It’s the example we set for your children and grand children. But it’s also good to keep in mind that it’s not the ‘stuff’ we give our children that they remember, it’s the time we spent with them that they remember most.
Blessings,
Elizabeth 🙂
Katie Hornor says
Exactly! Thanks for stopping by Elizabeth!
Jenny @ Women With Intention says
I love this! I have a very strained relationship with one of my grandmothers and have made a vow that someday when I am one to never act like that. Beautiful words! Thank you for linking up at Women With Intention Wednesdays.
Katie Hornor says
Jenny, I’m so glad you found inspiration here. Sometimes it is hard to be different when you have not had an example, but with God’s help, I know you’ll be an awesome Grandma!
Adelien Tandian says
There are a lot of life lessons we can learn from grandmothers. Any kind of grandmother should have given great lessons to anyone since the older a person is, the more life experience someone have had. Thank you very much for sharing this great post. Everyone will need it one day.
Katie Hornor says
So true Adelien. I only hope I can be like them, when I am there age.
Linda says
my paternal grandparents took on 4 grandchildren from 2 states for at least one month every summer. When I became a mother it was very important for my children to have a relationship with my grandparents. When I exam a grandmother I had a wonderful model. We worked and couldn’t take the grandchildren for a month but we had Grandparents week for 10 years. those memories are the best. Nothing is more important than the time I’ve spent with my grandchildren!
Katie Hornor says
Love to hear this!
Jen Reyneri says
I treasure moments with my grandmother and the lessons learned from my paternal grandmother who is gone. This is a great tribute full of wonderful ideas.
Katie Hornor says
Thank you Jen.
Sami Cone says
What a great resource! I’m so glad I found it and can’t wait to share. You really captured the heart of the topic – especially when it comes to traveling with grandkids.
Katie Hornor says
Thank you for stopping by Sami.
Kelly Stilwell says
I love this. I can only hope that I will be a good grandmother. One thing is for sure; they will know about Christ’s love for them, and they will know how much grandma and grandpa love them. Thanks for sharing.
Katie Hornor says
I know they will Kelly! Thank you for your comment.
Betsi Hill says
As one who is not a natural grandmother but a spiritual one, I love that you covered that aspect! So important to remember that all of us, whether natural parents or not can have a profound influence on those we come in contact with. Thanks Katie!!
Katie Hornor says
Yes, Betsi, you can have a tremendous influence on other’s kids and grandkids and your own spiritual kids. There is always someone we can touch for Christ. Thank you for your comment.
Donna says
This is great! I love the fact that I can be a good grandmother and mother at the same time! While my focus is on my brand new granddaughter and making her feel as special as possible, I can also give my daughter and her husband some valuable couples time. As I have matured I truly appreciate my couples time (33 years strong) and I want to provide that to my daughter too! I learned this from my very loving and caring mom! Thanks for sharing this write up.
Katie Hornor says
Donna, thanks so much for commenting and for looking out for your daughter. We don’t have any family close by to watch kids occasionally, so I know from not having it what a blessing that is.
Thelma MKinney says
I never had a good Grandmother and as a Grandmother now I am learning from God what is means. Thank you for your page..It has given me confidence that though not perfect I am on the right path.
Katie Hornor says
God bless you Thelma!
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Glenda Cates says
Very well said and as a new grandmother in May things I needed to know. Especially since I am only the step mom and not sure where I fit in.