Grandparents typically take great interest in their grandchildren.   They shower newborns with clothes, furniture, gifts and they take pictures. They brag about the exploits of the young, go to every athletic event, and take pictures.  They babysit, serve as chauffeurs, take them on trips, and they take pictures.

I have a good friend named James who is grandfather of seven.  He’s a typical grandfather, proud of those young ones, but he had a grand plan for his grandchildren.

Together with his wife, the grandmother, they determined to help each of their grandchildren attend a Christian university.  They had inherited some money from her parents, so they set up a trust for each of the grands as they were born. They started with $10,000 for each grandchild.  They invested wisely and the funds grew.

When I asked James about the plan, he said, “The money was not really that important to us, but the Christian education was essential. If the money had not doubled, we would have made up any shortfall. Their parents were able to explain the financial implications that would arise if they decided to attend some other colleges.”

Then he said, “Their education was excellent and the association with other Christians for four years will pay more dividends than money can buy.”

This year I happened to be the president that awarded grandchild number seven his degree.  The trusts paid for most of the education costs of all seven grandchildren at a couple different Christian universities.  The parents of each grandchild also played a financial role.

As I heard about the grand plan of these grandparents for their grandchildren, I was impressed.  They played an important role in passing on the faith to the next generation and blessed their grandchildren in a remarkable way.

I can’t wait to see the pictures.