The Mystery & Minstrel: Musings on God and Life

Chickadee Peeps

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse: 

  “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged.” (Proverbs 17:6a NLT)  

         

Devotion:

Hmmmm  . . .it’s time for those yellow, sugary-marshmallow candies formed into squiggly chicks, better known as PEEPS^®. They rank as one of my favorite springtime treats. Their sweet softness brings to mind my two granddaughters. I call these sweet little girls my “chickadee peeps.” I adore the silliness and delight they have as they play and show-off for Grandma. 

Yes, it’s true. I have turned sappy. Me--the type A personality. Me--the goal-oriented woman. Me--the no fuss, no frills, no time for silliness gal. Somehow, my chickadee peeps have turned my world upside down. Everything in my life comes to a halt when I have a chance to spend time with my blue-eyed, black-haired granddaughters. Nothing else matters. The depth of feeling for these two little girls startles me. Its intensity perplexes me. I can’t figure it out. All I know is I am one sappy grandmother.

However, I also realize that there is great responsibility involved in this precious relationship of being a grandmother to granddaughters. I am humbled by the opportunity to teach these little girls how to be godly women. The apostle Paul wrote,

 

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving the Lord. They must not go around speaking evil of others and must not be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, (Titus 2:3-4 NLT)

This verse speaks to my heart. I know my chickadee peeps are already watching me. They imitate how I hold my purse. They try on my shoes. They mimic the women in their lives—their mommy and grandmas.

Oh, I pray that they see our love for Jesus. I want them to raise their hands in praise and bow their heads in prayers. I pray that we all are role models who inspire them to serve Christ Jesus, so one day they will influence their own snuggle-sweet grandchildren.

Now I am off to buy sweet treat Peeps^® for my darling, adorable, precious, cute chickadee peeps. Yup, I am sappy.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I thank you for the joy of being a grandparent. Grant me the knowledge and wisdom to influence my grandchildren for all eternity. Help me become a godly role model for all the children whose lives touch mine. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application steps: 

Read Colossians 3:16. Consider how you can influence the lives of your grandchildren (or children) by using the admonition in this verse. What stories and songs can you share with your own “chickadee peeps”?  

Reflections: 

Am I intentional in how I want to influence my grandchildren?

How can I make my faith real to the children in my life?

Power verses:

Psalm 128:6a, “May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.” (NLT) 

Proverbs 13:22, “Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner's wealth passes to the godly.” (NLT) 

© 2008 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.