A Grandpa-to-be Muses
Guest Post by Stephen Robinson
I will never forget when my oldest daughter, Kiana, texted me asking if they could stop by on my 50th birthday. We had all just been together celebrating my twin brother and my birthday with family and friends a few days before. I had a feeling something was up! I had a hunch she had some very special news to share. I was thrilled when she shared she and her husband were expecting! A few months later, we found out our first grandchild would be a boy.
Here is Kiana celebrating her first Mother’s day with my wife Jamara
I was filled with joy for Kiana and AJ. I have never seen her happier than as a wife and a mom-to-be. It hasn’t been an easy road with some health challenges along the way, but she’s faced every one of them with a smile and grace. As the day draws near—she’s due in mid- July—the reality hits me. I am going to be a Grandpa!
My wife Jamara’s middle name is Lauren so she decided she’d like to be called, “La La.” I will go by “Pop Pop.” Such joy and excitement! We’re both incredibly anxious to meet our new grandson.
As the news settled in, I began to realize as a dad of three daughters, I’m not sure what I will do with a grandson. Raising girls, I quickly noticed just how busy our friends’ little boys were, often full of so much energy! I’m looking forward to seeing the world through my grandson’s eyes. My mind races as I wonder, what will he be like? Will he like sports? Will he be musically inclined? I can’t wait to take him fishing and to his first baseball game. Most importantly, will he love Jesus? Will he even sit still long enough to listen to Bible stories?
So many questions fill my mind when I slow down to think about becoming a grandpa. We've been asking our friends with kids for advice on how Jamara and I can best support Kiana and AJ as they navigate becoming first-time parents. We've received a lot of practical advice, such as always having a car seat ready, stocking up on diapers, and always having snacks and toys around.
All the good advice makes me wonder why I'm so tempted to give him a sugar rush and then hand him back to his parents. It would be a fun prank to play on exhausted new parents, and it sounds like fun, but also, I remember not being thrilled when my parents did it to me. My temptation might let them off the hook :).
Right now, my prayer is almost the same every night.
A Grandpa-to-be Prayer for His Grandson
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray for a safe delivery for Kiana and her baby.
Lord God, I pray he is healthy and that he knows
at a young age how much You love Him.
I pray he has ears to hear the plans You have for him.
That he finds his identity in You and not in the things of this world.
I pray he lives a life that brings you the honor and glory you deserve.
I pray he never stops asking “why?” or being curious about Your creation.
I pray he has a heart to boldly proclaim You as Lord and Savior.
I pray his heart’s desire is to worship Your Holy name.
Additionally, Lord, I also pray for the world in which he and all my other grandchildren will grow up.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
Please feel free to share any advice you’ve learned over the years. I am excited to learn as much as possible while being promoted to the title of “Pop Pop.” I can’t wait to meet my grandson and hopefully, soon share additional thoughts and photos with you.
Stephen
Sue’s Note: Congratulations Stephen and Jamara! Thanks for the invitation to share advice, Stephen! Here are the timeless words of Scripture I have prayed consistently for my children, grandchildren, and new little great grandson:
Dear Lord,
Even as Jesus did, I pray this precious child you have brought into my life will grow in wisdom and stature and will find favor with God and with man. (Luke 2:52) Prosper this child, and help him/her to develop intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.
Amen