What to Say to Grandparents

Hey, Carpool Crew! Happy Monday. Quick question before we roll. Have you ever been around an older person, like a grandma or grandpa, and kind of froze because you didn't know what to say? I'm Pastor Justin. So glad you're with us today. Talking to grandparents, or any older person, can feel awkward sometimes. But there's something better than the perfect thing to say. Here's the one thing to remember for the ride: honoring older people starts with really listening to them. Listen to Proverbs 16:31. It says, "Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the ways of righteousness." A crown is something you wear when you're honored, like a king or a queen. So the Bible is saying all those years, all that gray hair, that's not something to ignore. It's like a crown. Older people have lived a long time and learned a lot, and that's worth honoring. Think about it like this. You don't have to say something clever. The best gift you can give an older person is to actually listen when they talk. Ask a question and really pay attention to the answer. That tells them, you matter to me, and your stories matter to me. If Jesus were sitting on the couch next to you at your grandparents' house, He would lean over and say, "Put the screen away and just listen for a while. Ask them what they were like when they were your age. You'll be giving them something they'll remember long after you go home." It's a summer afternoon at your grandparents' and grandpa starts one of his long stories, the kind that goes on and on. Normally you'd be itching to grab a screen. But this time you set it down. You look at him and actually listen. You even ask, "What happened next?" And his whole face lights up, because somebody wanted to hear it. That's how you honor him. Hey, this week, here are a few things to try. First, the next time you're with an older person, ask them one real question about their life and truly listen to the answer. Second, when you start to get antsy, say one quick sentence in your head. "God, help me honor them right now." Third, a heart one. Ask yourself, do I treat older people like they're in my way, or like a crown worth honoring? Hey, back to that one thing for the ride. Honoring older people starts with really listening to them. Remember, no matter where you are, God loves you. And parents, think of one other parent who could use five quiet minutes like this. Would you send them this episode today? That's the whole carpool growing, one seat at a time. And if your family wants the weekend episodes too, they're waiting in Carpooling with Jesus+, right in the app you're already using. Hey, before you go, let's answer this together. What's one question you could ask an older person in your family this week? I love you, Carpool Crew. I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.