The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children,

to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.

Psalms 103:17-18, NKJV

Among Carolyn's and my greatest blessings are our seven grandchildren. They truly are the magnificent seven! The older I get, the more I realize that grandchildren are the reward for those who resisted the impulse to sell their own children to the gypsies. I must confess that there were times when our kids were young that we would have considered any offer, even if it had not seemed like a fair price at the time. I'm glad now that we didn't!

Our first grandchild came into this world a dozen years ago, Though due the fourth week in March, he just couldn't wait so he came 6 & 1/2 weeks sooner, early in February. I can remember visiting him in the prenatal unit at the hospital in Lubbock. He was so tiny that I was afraid to hold him. All connected to wires and small enough to hold in one hand with room to spare, this little one was destined for greatness! Since then we have had six more - seven in all - and each one more beautiful than the rest!

I used to think that those grandparents who thought their grandchild to be the prettiest baby ever were delusional. Now, I have evidence to prove it - mine are the most beautiful and theirs are but a distant second place.

As I write this article, I am in recovery. Carolyn and I spent the day with two of these little beauties, aged two and three, for six hours yesterday! We had a wonderful time and the hours passed as if they were only a few days, but we were still grateful to hear their parent's car pulling into the driveway. Though we love our grandkids more than you could imagine, we were reminded once again that there is a reason that God gives children to us when we are young and have the energy.

Grandchildren bring an important perspective to those who are so blessed as to have them. They remind us of the cycle of life that God has designed for this world. In the middle of these seven gifts being delivered, Carolyn and I lost all four of our parents. Someday, hopefully after we have enjoyed seeing a few of our own great-grandchildren born, we too will finish with our turn. But before that time, we both want to do our part to help their parents (We refer to them as "those people who keep our grandkids") get these beautiful children ready for service of their own.

And the way things are going, this old word needs all the help it can get! If you have grandchildren of your own, then you will understand. We have an obligation to do our part to leave behind a better world. It's a daunting task, but God will help us. And, along with this great gift He has given us in the form of our grandchildren, He has also given us the great responsibility of preparing them for what lies ahead. It is a great responsibility indeed, but I can think of none more pleasant than helping the Magnificent Seven prepare for the challenges that await them!