I am writing this report from Southaven, Mississippi, also known as the birthplace of Jackson Hannah. I have had the privilege of spending the last few days visiting my oldest daughter, Alyssa; my son-in-law, Colin; and the real center of attention—my grandson, Jack! I am writing this on Jack’s first birthday, and we have had a great weekend celebrating him.

Before I share a few highlights from this trip, I must apologize to all the grandparents I mocked for their excitement about being a grandparent. I understand the feeling now—it is awesome!

I now better understand when the Bible speaks of generations.

This was an immediate realization when I saw Jack for the first time one year ago. When God gives you a child, then gives your child a child, that is a surreal thing. When I became a parent, I understood the importance and significance of leaving a heritage for the Lord. Now God has added a generation, which gives this a compounded significance.

My greatest investments are example and prayer.

I have enjoyed watching Colin and Alyssa be parents. I do not have a say in decisions they make. My opinion on what time Jack goes to bed or on what he can eat has no significance. Those are not my decisions. My role in my daughter’s life is different now than when she lived in my home. It would be a mistake for me to try to “parent” my grandchild when God has given him well-equipped parents. My role is to pray for Jack, his parents, and those who will influence him. I can make a greater difference by praying and being an example rather than by micromanaging Jack’s parents. To be honest, I like this new role.

I fought for Jack before we ever knew there was a “Jack.”

As a pastor, I often make the statement that we are making decisions now that will affect our future children and grandchildren. There were times in the past I could have compromised in my ministry or in my home, and it would have affected Jack in a negative way. I fought for his mother when she was a child, then a teenager, and finally a young adult. I realize decisions I make now affect the future of others.

Jack is loved.

If anyone knows anything about me, they know I love Jack. My wife loves Jack. His aunts love him. His grandparents on the other side of the family love him. His church family in Mississippi loves him. My church loves him. Obviously, his parents love him. Jack has no idea how much he is loved. I am thankful for that, and I am also aware how fortunate he is.

Most of all, God loves Jack. God has provided salvation for him as soon as he is able to understand. God has a plan for his life. By the way, God loves us, too.

Time passes quickly.

One of the blessings of this trip has been, of course, celebrating Jack but also having the family together again. I had the privilege to preach in Jack’s church in Mississippi on this trip. As I looked in the congregation from the platform, it was a blessing to see all three of my adult daughters and my wife sitting side by side all in a row. Not long ago, those same girls were little girls. Time has passed, and as children do, they have grown.

I am acutely aware that as Jack turns one today, he will not stay one for long. Time passes quickly. Enjoy the blessings.

The milestone of Jack’s first birthday has come and gone. Being a grandparent during this celebration was a joy; but it was made a bit more special because, having had all daughters, I finally have a little boy to play with.

I found myself in the midst of the playtimes watching him, praying for him, and asking the question, “God, what do You have planned for him?”

Whatever it is, “Papi” is here for it.