Week 159
Positive post Sunday, March 8, 2020- Week 159.
You’ve likely heard the saying, “count your blessings”. When I count my blessings these days, I count to 11. That’s because the good Lord has blessed Michele Lomen Rendler and I with 11 wonderful and energetic grandchildren this far in our lives!. Grandchildren are one of God’s greatest gifts, they truly are a blessing from above. The bond between a grandparent and grandchild is a unique and special bond like no other. I’m grateful to be able to experience this bond on a grand scale. I’m very mindful of how fortunate I am, considering many never get the opportunity to experience this deepest form of unconditional love.
A short letter to my grandchildren (I could certainly write a much longer one!):
I’m so proud, honored and fortunate to be your Papa. I love each one of you with all my heart and more than you will ever know. You are truly the shining lights in my life, bringing joy and happiness to our family every day. I realize you are all at different stages in your life journeys, some just starting and others well down the road. Regardless of where you are on your journey, please know that I’m so proud of you and excited to see you grow, both personally and spiritually. You keep me young and give me hope for the future of this very complex world we live in. I wish you as much happiness and success as I have experienced throughout my life. Please know that as long as the good Lord allows, I will be here to share and celebrate your successes and help you navigate through the challenging times. That’s what Papas do!
My prayer for my grandchildren (from Week 12):
“Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing me with amazing grandchildren. Please watch over and protect all of them as they grow up. Help them build a foundation of faith that will guide them throughout their lives and aid them in making good faith-based decisions and choices. Help them excel in their studies and follow their dreams, reminding them that whatever path they choose in life to always be humble, kind and generous to others. For it is through service to others that we find true happiness and fulfillment in our lives. Like all of us, they will stumble at times. Please pick them up and guide them back to you when they fall or stray.”
“Lord, please also bless their parents (my children) with your grace and give them the patience, fortitude and spirituality needed to raise their children in your likeness. Through your great glory, may all my children and grandchildren be blessed with the ability and desire to actively engage in their faith by participating in services and sharing their time, talents and treasures which will lead them closer to you. In your name I pray.”
Who are the shining lights in your life? Have you let them know and told them how much you love and appreciate them?