A Little Child Shall Lead Them

As grandparents, we desire to leave our children a legacy that will be remembered and treasured long after we are gone. Traditions and experiences are founded upon principles of love and care for our loved ones which provide enduring memories during the lifetime of those who follow. I was poignantly reminded of this sentiment when my four year old granddaughter presented me with five envelopes filled with various coins for me to give to World Vision, a Christian humanitarian agency that my husband and I have supported for many years. I had no knowledge that she was saving money to give to Grandmom to send to World Vision to help the children have enough food to eat.

When our grandchildren dine with us, they place coins in a reused 16 ounce can with the funds specifically designated for a humanitarian project. A short prayer is said at the end of grace asking God to bless the money and multiply its use for a good purpose for those who are in need. Then the money is placed into the can and counted after three months. The contents are then sent to World Vision. On one occasion, our grandchildren were present to help us count the money. They were participating in an activity that we had done with our own children when they were young many years past.

Our granddaughter gave me specific instructions to not open the envelopes but to send the money complete with her name proudly and painstakingly printed on each envelope by her own hand. The money our granddaughter submitted amounted to $1.34; two of the envelopes contained a necklace with the coins and I will send each envelope in one large envelope to World Vision with a letter explaining that money was collected by our four year old granddaughter. I will return the necklaces to my granddaughter with the explanation that the money is appreciated and the organization would not want her to give up her necklaces. My husband and I are moved beyond words by her selfless act of sharing and desire to give to others. Without sounding pompous, I suppose we can feel that something we have said and done has made an impression upon her as well as the influence and teaching of her parents. For me, the lesson learned is children truly mimic our actions and values and we should never underestimate the influence, good or bad, that impacts the lives of our grandchildren. My granddaughter has pointedly taught my husband and me that we should continue to pray for opportunities to create meaningful memories that will form an enduring legacy for our grandchildren.