An ingenious grandmother, tired of reading bedtime stories, decided to record several favorite stories on tape for her granddaughter, Cheryl.  Smiling and very pleased with her idea she presented her labor of love. 

"Now, Cheryl, she said, you can hear your stories anytime you want. Isn't that great?"  

Cheryl looked at the tapes for a moment and then seriously replied, "No, Grandma, it hasn't got a lap."  

A lap is something that grandparents have and grandchildren need. 

It is in a lap that blessings may be spoken.  Blessings that contributes to a child’s happiness and well-being.  Words that say, “I approve of you.  You are special to me.  God loves you.” 

Our children grow up hearing, “No, No, Don’t, Quit, Stop,” all of which are negatives.

But how often do they hear,  “Thank you, Good job,” or “I’m proud of you” There is nothing quite like a Grandma’s lap for that kind of conversation.           

Blessings are necessity if we want children to grow up with confidence and a sense of self-respect.  That does not mean they will always become what we desire for them… they have a choice in the matter… but they goes a long way in helping them make the right decisions in life. 

Constant criticism builds resentments and angers that last a lifetime without God’s intervention.  

A lap provides a place for teaching.                                      

Moses instructed Israel in Deuteronomy 4: 9  “But watch out!  Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the LORD do for you.  Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live!  And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

 That suggests casual conversation. It doesn’t only take place on a lap but happens all during a lifetime while we are doing dishes, cleaning out the dresser drawers, gardening, and mending.  What a delightful privilege it is to interpret life for the little ones and share our experiences in the Lord with them.  Even teenagers like to hear “one time” and “when I was a little girl” stories.  It creates a rich heritage.   

A lap is an excellent place to start illustrating your faith. 

Paul recognized that Timothy had no doubt learned much about faith in the lap of his mother and grandmother.  2 Timothy 1: 5  “I know that you sincerely trust the LORD, for you have the faith of your mother, Eunice, and your grandmother, Lois.” 

 Children are neither unaware nor unconcerned about the spirituality of their parents and grandparents.  They observe our faith. They hear when we pray for them and others.  The sound of our voice, when read Bible stories and the scriptures, speaks volumes about our faith.  Our daily life passes on moral values and attitudes that are often left unspoken.   

So, keep a ready lap Grandma.  Grandchildren are special and time is a wastin’.