I was sitting with several men who were about the same age as I was. Most of them had silver-gray hair if they had any at all. We were discussing the general state of affairs in our various churches and in our country.

Gradually, we got around to talking about the future, and I asked questions about what was most important to them at this point in their lives. One responded, “The education of my grandchildren.” Most around the table responded by nodding their heads in agreement.

I agreed, “Yes, it’s really important that our grandchildren get college educations these days.”

That, however, was not what they had in mind. One objected, “No, I didn’t mean a college education, but a Christian education.” Another grandpa, looking at me over his glasses, seemed somewhat surprised by my comment and said, “No, I want to see my children and my grandchildren in heaven.” Still another added, “They need to know about Jesus.” I was glad to hear that we shared the same objective.

The world is growing older

One of the most important demographics in today’s world is little discussed: not only is the world getting older with each tick of the clock, but so are its people. In fact, in an unprecedented way, the people of the world are living longer, more robust lives than in any preceding generation. U.S. Census Bureau’s statistics indicate that our nation will soon be a nation that has more people over 65 than under the age of 18. Even though we are a growing nation, we are becoming a larger older nation rather than a larger younger one.

This raises important questions for all of us, especially for us grandfathers who dearly love the Lord Jesus and our grandchildren. What shall we do to serve the Lord and help our grandchildren keep and grow in their faith?

A small rose garden

Almost coincidentally, it became clear what the Lord had in mind for at least this grandpa.

For several years I had wanted to add a small rose garden to our front yard. Each spring I put it off because I was “too busy” and because the project was going to be difficult. But I decided I had to do something about my dream. I walked to the neighbor’s house, borrowed his monster garden tiller, rolled it to our front yard, checked the oil, filled it with gas, and set about the task of “creating” a new rose bed.