The definition of "grand" is: magnificent; splendid; noble; wonderful or very pleasing; of great importance and distinction. Why wouldn't someone want that title?

One of my favorite TV shows as a child was the Walton’s. I remember how my family would tune in and see what drama would unfold each week as the family would come together in love and understanding and whatever came their way, they made it through. I love how they would sit around the table in almost every episode and laugh and just be a family. The show instilled family values and what made the biggest impression on me was how the grandma always had in influence in the lives of the family. I know, I know it was a TV show, but I believe one theme from The Walton’s remains true, Grandparents really do play a big role in shaping their grandchildren's lives, for good or ill.

Almost 2,000 years ago, Paul attributed his protégé Timothy's faith partly to the example of Timothy's grandmother, Lois. Timothy was the "son" of Paul because Lois, a loving grandmother, taught him God's word which resulted in great faith (2 Tim. 1:5).

Someone has well said, "The reason fewer children are like Timothy is because there is a great shortage of grandmothers like Lois." How true is Proverbs 17:6 which states, "Grandchildren are the crown of old men."

David had a beautiful grandmother whose name was Ruth. Her example served him well as he became the chosen family's head.

I believe that grandparents can help shape their grandchildren's lives-AND…I as Christian grandparent ask: How can I learn to influence my own grandchildren?

One way is to Be Intentional!

Grandparents often assume that strong relationships with their grandchildren will develop naturally. That's not always the case. I as a grandparent must take the initiative. Being a grandparent is in many ways voluntary. And grand parenting doesn't necessarily come naturally, certainly no more naturally than being a parent and doing a good job at it. I can't take the relationship for granted and expect that it will "just happen."

As I have witnessed in my own children’s’ grandparents and their involvement in my sons lives…the grandparents' influence was at its greatest during my sons most receptive years. These early years of involvement provided the greatest opportunity for exercising the life-lasting principles in them. And I see that evident even today in their lives. They continue to be a positive influence, even as my sons grow older and have entered adulthood.

Therefore, I as a grandparent must stay alert, or otherwise the opportunity will be lost forever. This period is so short indeed and goes by so rapidly as they begin their school years. Sports and friends seem to have increasingly more important places in their lives. I can extend that influential period, to a degree, by being active in my grandchildren’s school and sports activities.

Secondly, influence by Example! –He has given us His example of how to live a Godly life in His Word. As a grandparent, I can be a great influence in the lives of my grandchildren. Our grandchildren need Godly grandparents to stand in the gap by praying and modeling Godly lives.
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” Titus 2:7

I as a grandparents have a role to play, an important role that no one else can fulfill. It is unique. That opportunity is primarily one of example. My grandchildren can see a worldly life and be lost; or they can see the Christian life demonstrated by a Godly grandparent, and their spirits will be filled. The wise man said, "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." God said of Abraham, "I know he will command his children and his household after him."

I don’t have a lot of material wealth, but I do have a rich heritage to pass on. I have the power of my own testimony of faith and I can show them how God will be faithful through the coming generations. I want to give them a spiritual legacy.

God's plan is for the father to be the head of the house; the mother the keeper of the home; the grandparents to be the ever loving, Christ-like source of strength, confidence and example to all and especially to the grandchildren. – Just like Grandma Walton.

I am being watched by young, believing eyes. What is my example? I must take advantage of the opportunity I have to show, by MY life, what a "privilege” we have in Jesus. I pray, Jesus, work through me so they will see Jesus in me.

Lastly, and far the most important is by Prayer!

In the Psalms, we read that we are to tell them about the power of God’s mighty works in our lives. God has given us this resource so that we can maximize our influence for His glory. Prayer - God has given us the avenue of prayer as the best weapon against the evil in our world today. Nothing threatens the enemy more than when I pray intentionally and regularly for my grandchildren. When I pray according to God’s Word, I am in line with His will; it enables me to pray with direction, power, and wisdom.
 It is God who works in the lives of my grandchildren; however. My prayers can open the door for God to work in their hearts. If I am fully devoted to God, living my life of inward and outward Godliness, I can positively influence my grandchildren and the world in which they live.

Grandparents are a family's greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, The greatest storytellers, the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family's strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart. Through happiness and sorrow, through their special love and caring, grandparents keep a family close at heart. ~author unknown