“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3, ESV)

Last month Cheryl and I were with our youngest daughter and her family at the Germanfest in Muenster, Texas. One thing our grandchildren really enjoyed was a barrel train ride. So I spent a few days recently making one. I had most of the things I needed already, because I tend to hold on to stuff. Cheryl is going to decorate and put the finishing touches on it. Two of my grandchildren will be here next week to try it out. And my four youngest grandkids will all be here in July to ride it together!

I’ve had a few people tell me I’m spoiling them, or that I’m trying to go for the best Grandpa ever award. It is really much simpler than that. I would have loved to have something like this when I was a kid. I wish I had the resources to do this for my own children when they were little. Now I have the time and know-how and materials to make it happen for my grandchildren, so I did it. It comes from love. I want them to know that they are a blessing to me.

“The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”” (Genesis 12:1–3)

“He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”” (Genesis 15:5)

The promise God made to Abraham had three parts: land, descendants, and that all people who be blessed through him. Note that CHILDREN were part of the blessing. And it was through those children God delivered His greatest blessing to us all: Jesus. Even though those children were obstinate, stiff-necked, wandering and disobedient, God used them to fulfill his promise of a Savior for all people. He would take care of the problem of our sin for all of us, giving us forgiveness and new life now, forgiveness and new life forever.

I live with that certainty. Not only do I look forward to being with Jesus forever, but I know I am with Him now. And He blesses me more than I deserve.

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6, ESV)

I recognize the blessing I have in my children and grandchildren. I want them to know that I love them. Even more, I want them to know how much Jesus loves them and what He has done for them.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)