An Open Letter to My Grandchildren

It’s official.  I am a grandfather.

Have been for a couple of years now.

My son Jonathan and his wife Jamie have given birth to two beautiful children; a boy named Nolan and a girl named Taylor.  My wife Renae is now officially “Nay-Nay” and I am officially “Pappy.”

Dear Nolan and Taylor,

I am your grandfather.  Rumor has it you will be calling me “Pappy” and my wife, your grandmother” Nay-Nay.”  If you learn to say those words correctly, fine.  If not, that’s okay too.  I’m sure whatever you start to call us will stick, and we will love it.

I remember when your father was born.  I was one of the first to hold him, and I was also there to hold you shortly after you (Nolan & Taylor) were born.  Both of you are just as beautiful as he was.

Your fathers’ name in Jonathan, which means “Gift of God.”  And your uncle’s name, Nathan, also means “Gift of God.”  Your grandparents, both on your mother’s side and on your father’s side, are all devoted followers of Christ.  This is your heritage - the stock from which you came.

There are some things you should know as you enter this world.

First, you are deeply loved by everyone in your family tribe.  There is nothing you can do to make us love you more and nothing you can do to make us love you less.

Secondly, and more importantly, you are loved by God.  His love for you is infinitely greater than ours.  Never forget that.

Third, your father is my son.  That may seem strange to hear, but I love him just as he loves you two.  He will always be my son, even as you (two) will always be his son and daughter.  And in a very real sense, it is my love for him that overflows into your life.

Finally, I want you to know that even now I am praying that you will have the same relationship with Christ that I have, that Nay-Nay has, that your mother has, and your father has (as well as your other grandparents, all your great grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins).  It is the most important thing in our lives, and in truth, it is the only thing that really matters in this life.

I long for your emotional health, your physical health, and your relational health.  I hope you fall in love, get married and have a family… but all of those things pale in comparison to eternity and your standing with Christ.

More than anything, I hope to live in heaven with you and with Christ.

So, for now, know that you are prayed for (by many).  Faithfully.  In fact, if you ever wonder if anyone this world is thinking of you and praying for you, rest assured….

Nay-Nay and I are.

God wanted you born.  He made you to love you.  More than that, you were made to love Him.  And serve Him. 

There is only one Nolan Christian and only one Taylor Christian, and you are that person.   I cannot wait to see what you will do with your life.  As long as I live, I will support you and point you towards Christ.

Pappy.