Grandparenting with Grit and Grace (Part 2)

Recently, a friend shared a beautiful story that speaks well to Grandparenting with Grit and Grace. She talked about a man named Walter Payton. Now, maybe you have heard of Walter. I had not.

Walter was a professional football player who ran over 9 miles in his career as a leading rusher for the Chicago Bears. Wow! That is impressive. But it becomes profound when you realize that as a rusher he was tackled almost every time he carried the ball. He ran hard but he got knocked down … every few feet. Yet he got up, started again and ran some more. Ultimately, he crossed the goal line, time and again.

To me, the story gets even better when you learn of Walter’s nickname, “Sweetness”. He was known for being a kind hearted man. He was tough when he needed to be. But he was filled with grace and “sweetness” as he walked out his life. Grit and grace. A powerful combination.

It’s hard to be a grandparent. Often, we run passionately a few steps full of love for our families and a heart for Jesus. But then, almost before we can blink, we get knocked down, discouraged. Or we get set back -- or set apart. It was difficult navigating the 21st century BEFORE Covid. Today there are even more challenges. Do you long to be a GRANDparent to your family? Over the next few months, we will be posting blogs to help you with Grandparenting with Grit and Grace. How do you make a difference in the lives of your loved ones? Join us and let the Lord show you His way…

By Cathy Jacobs, Director of Grandparenting Ministries