Planned Giving

Lessons from a Grandson’s Bedtime Prayer

Billy and Tyler were spending the night at Grandma and Grandpa’s house the week before Christmas. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers when Tyler, the youngest boy, began praying at the top of his lungs:

"I pray for a new bike! I pray for a new iPad! I pray for a new baseball bat! I pray for a new drum set!”

His older brother Billy leaned over and interrupted, "Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn't deaf." To which Tyler replied, "No, but Grandma is!"

Tyler was communicating with his grandparents, however slyly, about what mattered most to him. But what about when the tables are turned – do we have an effective way to communicate what matters most to our children and grandchildren?

The Bible encourages us to talk about our values and our wishes with the next generation. In Genesis 49, for example, Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.”

But what should we communicate? And how should we communicate it? We might begin by prayerfully jotting down thoughts about our own values and life lessons. And then communicate those values – whether in writing, in person, or on a recording.

For a FREE copy of “Giving the Gift of Meaning To Your Family” contact Tim Swiney, Director of Development, at Mel Trotter Ministries at (616) 588-8768 or timswiney@meltrotter.org

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