YOUNG PEOPLE ASK . . . Why Should I Get to Know My Grandparents?

"THROUGHOUT history, grandparents have been the key to family harmony and continuity."  So writes Dr.Arthur Kornhaber in his book  Grandparent Power! He adds:  "As teachers, supporters of parents, historians, nurturers, consultants, and even entertainers, their psychological, social, and spiritual functions were of paramount importance. I wondered how our society,  has possibly come to dismiss this powerful, multifaceted grandparent role."

In bygone days, grandparents were a foundation stone of family life, particularly among worshipers of Jehovah God. The Bible commanded the Israelites to respect and esteem older ones. (Leviticus 19:32)  Grandparents were considered especially worthy of honor. -1 Timothy 45:4. 

Sad to say, times have changed. Long distances often separate families, and many youths have little contact with their grandparents. Attitudes have also changed. In many parts of the world, older ones-including relatives-are no longer treated with due respect.  (2 Timothy 3:1-3) What used to be called a generation gap now seems more like a chasm.  Many youths think of their grandparents has old and out of touch.  The can not imagine that these older ones could possibly understand the pressures and problems youths face today.

If that is the way you feel, be prepared to think again!  For there is great value in getting to know your grandparents-especially if they are God-fearing. And if you have not  got to know them, you may well miss out. How so?  

Note:  I wish I could have spent more time with my grandma. She was a very sweet lady with a great sense of humor and full blooded German.  I have seen here with even some parents, how mistreated and ignored they are  and that is so wrong!  When we were teenagers back in the day, we had pressures too.  We have already been through it all.  You teens feel that you have it worse, well,  you don't,  A lot of the  grandparents are full of knowledge and history and have been through a lost worse; some of them a World War or two; than some of you teens have been through. So quite acting like it is the end of the world and  give your grandparents a break, and try them to see, that is possible that they can help you more than you thought.

Next time: Why Should I Get to Know My Grandparents? - A Source of Wisdom and Advice.

From the jw.org publications