Recently, our elementary school conducted interviews with potential teachers. The head principal, and the other two assistant principals are a generation younger than me. So, as we introduced ourselves (on camera) to a twenty-something-year-old applicant, I quipped, “Obviously, I’m the elder statesman here.” Without missing a beat, my boss interjected, “Yes, David’s our grandpa.”
I nodded and smiled, but inside I retorted, “Hold up. I’m old enough to be some of our teachers’ father, but not grandfather!”
Later, I remembered a cafeteria conversation I had with a student during lunch: “My mom is 29 and my dad is 31.” That’s the same age as my two oldest children. Fair enough, maybe my boss has a point.
But I’m still not technically a grandfather, because none of my three adult sons have children.
But then it hit me: being a grandparent involves more than DNA, it’s also a role you play in someone else’s life.
What my principal meant is I’m like a grandpa to many of our students. Being a grandfather is a relationship, as much as a biological reality.
Now, when someone calls me grandpa, I smile, with a nod, and say to myself, “That’s right. I’m a professional role model for younger generations”
One generation commends you works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4 (NIV)
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ Prayers and love.
This piece first appeared in Christian Grandfather Magazine: a digital publication for Christian grandfathers and future grandfathers. christiangrandfather.org
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