Pilgrim's Progress - 26th March 2010
Yesterday was Lady Day when we celebrate the "annunciation" of Jesus to his mother Mary.
Last week we had the ancient "Mother's Day". One of the neglected contributions to the well-being of our society is that of grandparents so I think we should have a Grandparents' Day! They support and encourage, love and nurture, dispense homely wisdom and always have time for you. During the years that my father was abroad in the Armed Forces, I spent many happy weeks with my grandparents. One of my favourite wedding photographs is of Sally and I flanked by my English and Russian grandmothers. These days, grandparents also help with their grandchildren, supporting parents who work. This is obviously a joy, but can be demanding, especially if health and strength are not what they were. With increased rates of divorce, grandparents sometimes lose touch or are prevented from seeing grandchildren – a source of considerable distress. The law should accommodate their rights of access.
Grandparents are sometimes the only people children will meet regularly who have a strong faith. It sustains them when health or bereavement affect them, and they can pass on their faith to their grandchildren and pray for them. At funerals I often see how affected grandchildren are at the loss of someone who has become like a friend, whom they can trust and confide in. Let's give a hearty cheer for Grandparents with whose vital and life-affirming contribution our society is greatly enriched.
Rupert Martin Vicar of Sandal Magna
l Churches Together Good Friday Walk of Witness leaves Salvation Army, Vicarage St at 9:45am for Wakefield Cathedral on Friday. www.wdco.org/site/Churches-Together-in-Wakefield
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wakefield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
