Encourage Me: Teach Your Grandmother to Suck Eggs*

By default, my mother became the grandparent of choice for my college-age daughter’s Grandparent’s Day (September 16, 2016) at Ohio Christian University (OCU).

As my mother-in-law lived in another state; and my father, stepfather, and father-in-law had all been dead for while (my mother became the only, logical choice).

As my mother’s chauffeur, the forty-five minute adventure to Circleville, OH, was taking her outside her comfort zone. She was willing to do almost anything to communicate how much she loved Allena. Her oldest son’s daughter was vital to her contentment.

Upon arrival, my mother registered in for the day’s festivities, and received a label that read, “I’m a grandparent” With my warped since of humor, I smiled, and naughtily told my daughter I’d like a name badge just like my mom’s.

I thought Allena was going to crown me (not the royal kind either) when I made that request. The implications about her were negative.

Her friends that knew I was her father would definitely be shocked with the insight of “expecting mom.” (I quickly told my daughter I wasn’t going to do that, and turned back again into the good, mature father.)

Before entering the eating area of the Hickman Student Center, pictures were taken with both camera (and Allena’s cell phone) of mom and granddaughter as well as the three of us together (It was a unique portrait of small, medium, and large heights and body weights.)

Our complimentary continental breakfast turned out to be fruit salad, bagels, Danishes, and muffins. I had held off eating at home until this morning’s feast.

I was starving, but I knew if I ate this food; I would consume too much of it. As a diabetic my sugar would spike; and in an hour or so it would plunge downward (and nap time would be imminent).

My kind daughter must have noticed the total desperation in my eyes. She used her food stipend (from her cafeteria job there) to have a delicious, healthy, colorful omelet made that kept me quite alert throughout our activities.

Our morning schedule included a personal campus tour (mostly for mom) lead by Allena, spiritual enlightenment in Detty Chapel, and meeting Allena’s roommate in their off-campus dormitory (formerly a nursing home).

I was appreciative as a father (and an encouragement blogger) of all the positive messages that were being given to my only daughter during these times of divine nourishment at Detty Chapel each week.

Ablaze, OCU’s traveling music group, did a wonderful rendition of a praise hymn I grew up singing as a child. What emotion does the chorus of this song (taken from Psalm 109:30) rouse in you?

I will praise Him! I will praise Him!
Praise the Lamb for sinners slain;
Give Him glory, all ye people,
For His blood can wash away each stain.

What follows are three of my favorite quotes (during our time at Detty Chapel):

1. Craig Brown – “We are image bearers of the Creator.”

2. “God’s plan for every person exceeds their wildest dreams.”

3. Carma Dutcher (mother of an OCU student, Emily Morton) – “Are you a basement Christian that drags everyone down, or a balcony Christian that lifts everyone up?”

Mom got her free hard copy 5X7 picture of grandmother and granddaughter (to take home) and her OCU mug before the three of us headed to lunch.

Mom was not thrilled with her appearance in this loved photograph, but OCU had provided her with a tangible memento of her granddaughter’s love for her. She could never reject anything this precious from Allena.

By the time I got to where the food was, my appetite was beyond ferocious (eating diabetically correct was way back in my brain).

By the time I completed consuming my kingly spread of a double-decker hamburger (with provolone cheese, tomato, onion, and mayonnaise), large serving of French fries, unsweetened iced tea (with three sweetener packets), a slice of chocolate Bundt cake (with chocolate glaze), and a marshmallow-rice cereal square (with multi-colored sprinkles), I was already getting uncomfortably warm, which meant my sugar was elevated. (It was not the weather outside making me hot. It was reasonably pleasant.)

Once again, Allena’s generosity to her father exceeded my expectations. Since my mother had not brought her driver’s license with her, I was the designated driver. With the “food exhaustion” that would soon hit (as well as the gentle rocking of the Outlander in motion), it might be unrealistic for me to get my mother and I safely home (without falling asleep at the wheel).

My daughter simply stated she was driving us both home, and her mother would return her to her dormitory (in Circleville) later that evening. (Allena was also a little homesick, too). Isn’t the Heavenly Father good to send others to care for our needs?

“A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” (www.coolnsmart.com) I wonder if the above quote is how Timothy felt when Paul made the following comment in 2 Timothy 1:5 (VOICE) about two very important women in his life?

“What strikes me most is how natural and sincere your faith is. I am convinced that the same faith that dwelt in your grandmother, Lois, and your mother, Eunice, abides in you as well.”

Whether your grandparents are with you (or not), I have a writing exercise for you that will require your complete honesty (no matter the quality of your writing ability). Put in writing (manually or digitally) all the many, vivid details you have of times spent with your grandparents. (This may take awhile.)

Once you start this project, it will surprise you the missing details your mind will fill in. This is yours, and you have the power to share it with whom you choose.

Dr. Mark Smith, president of OCU, makes the following acknowledgement: “We need you, grandparents. Your lives and how you impact [your grandkids] mean more than you know”

*This Australian (and British) phrase refers to advice given by another individual more knowledgeable than the original speaker (of the topic).