My Crown

I found the best scripture the other day while I was studying. I don't know why I've never heard it before—or maybe I heard it before I was a grandmother and didn't understand it. The verse is from Proverbs 17:6 and says: "Children's children are the crown of old men." I can add from personal experience that they are also the crown of old women. Oh what joy! I am in California for the birth of our 29^th grandchild. (His name is George and he is adorable—like all of my grandchildren!) His big sister, Jane, calls him "My baby." It is so cute. "Why is my baby crying," she'll ask as she hovers over him. To see the love she has for him already is amazing.

We've also had two grandsons move in with us to go to school and what a delight! I feel ten years younger! Family Home Evening is so much more interesting with four people instead of two and family prayer feels more complete. Ryan and Nate are wonderful. They are both a lot like their Papa and it is fun to see these traits pass through the generations. They are helpful. They tease me. They wrestle with Papa (but they make sure they don't hurt him!) They are even more fun than when they were younger—and they were a lot of fun then!

Maybe this verse in Proverbs jumped off the page and wrapped itself around my heart because I REALLY felt the truth of it. There is a lot of work and worry attached to parenting that obscures some of the joy. But with grandchildren, you just get the joy.