If generational theorists are right, AND if you have grandchildren, you are probably a bona fide hero for those children. Starting from the time they can climb up into your lap or sit quietly, these infants and young children mostly likely love to hear stories that come from you.
Sure, you can read them any number of children’s books and Bibles—the wealth of children’s literature is astounding, and your local library can be a treasure trove of materials to share with your grandchildren.
And there may be more to this idea than books from the library!
Your own stories may be even more interesting—even fascinating—to your grandchildren. Think about it: Some of your life’s seemingly ordinary twists and turns—all of them God-moments—might seem like heroic exploits to your grandchildren. Some of the people you have met, the pets you’ve owned, the places you’ve been, the adventures you’ve had—these can be woven together into one-time stories or narratives that resemble mini-series. Remember: You could be a hero to your grandchildren.
Another option: Completely fictional yarns that you spin, featuring made-up characters that just so happen to hint at or draw from situations, people, pets or locations already familiar to your grandchildren. (For example, The Adventures of Spot the Super Dog) And be sure to include your grandchildren—under assumed names?—as part of these invented tales.
Still another idea: As your grandchildren’s imagination starts to lead them to their own story-creation, involve them in the development and telling of these stories.
Your goal in any of this: To establish a warm and ongoing relationship with your grandchildren. As they grow older, they will remember not only the stories, but the feelings they have for you as story-teller of the highest order.
And their lasting hero…!
