Grandchildren Personalities

Have you ever noticed how different your children are?  One may have an outgoing personality while the others are quiet and to themselves.  One thing I remember saying to my daughter when see was young, who was always mischievous and active from the time her eyes opened until she fell asleep at night,  "The Lord has a great sense of humor and will give you a child that is exactly like you."  In watching all six grandchildren this weekend, I see their personalities coming out strong.

To share a tidbit of their  personalities -
One like to be in control - both of herself and others and knows what she wants and pushes hard to get it.
Another is quiet and likes doing things without all the commotion.  Reading is as much fun as playing in the yard
Still another one is so sweet and quiet but takes everything to heart and ponders them within her.  She loves interaction but when it gets too much, she is OK to be to herself.
The third from the youngest is a bundle of energy and can't get enough of having a good time.  This is the one I told my daughter that God would bless her with.
Then the youngest can get away with about anything because he knows how to smile and bat his eyes in a way that not only melts your heart but allows him to get away with almost anything.

I won't take the time to describe each personality in depth but one of my son's daughter's has a very strong will and demonstrates it often.  This loving child who loves to hold hands, kiss you, talk to anyone and finds no strangers, can turn in a heartbeat to a strong willed, "No way" attitude.  Her eyes tell the story as she tilts her head down and gives you a look to let you know she is in rebellion mode.  Then for the first time this year she points her finger at you and shakes it just so you know she does not approve of what or how you are dealing with her.  So watching this personality grow will be challenging and fun at the same time.

In spending time with each one, I marvel at the what God has created with similar environments but very different outlooks and actions that demonstrate who they are.  

We need to appreciate the differences  people have and try not to change them but help them realize the person that the Lord created.  Our goal should be to channel the strengths  and encourage the weaknesses so that each child can be the best person as an adult as they are when young.

Today, are you encouraging the weaknesses of people or are you making them "come in line" with your thinking.  I look at it that this world would be insane if everyone was like me.  Still, as an older adult, I want to be encouraged to do better and not told what I HAVE to do. 

Encouragement is what grandparents are suppose to do but then again, parents should sometimes step back to make sure that the child is not living out their wish lists but taking the best in each child and helping them to take giant leaps into the future.

Just a thought out loud.