Grandpa, Tell Me a Story

Written by Dr. Dan Iles, Legacy Coalition Pastor’s Division

A few weeks ago, my wife and I had the privilege of backpacking for three days in the high Sierras with our whole family. We have two married children and six grandchildren. Our group ranged in age from four to yours truly at seventy.

This was a bucket list trip for me. I have taken many young people backpacking over the last 45 years of ministry, and I had always dreamed of doing it with my own family, but it had never come together until now.

As the sun was setting, my nine-year-old grandson, Parker, spoke up and said, “Grandpa, tell me a story.” Those words instantly transported me to the time when I was his age.

My grandfather would often tell me stories as he sat in his rocking chair on the front porch. Grandpa told me about who I was and shared lessons about life from family tales. These stories taught me a proper respect and appreciation for my ancestors. I found a sense of security in his stories. He gave me an identity to honor and live up to. Those stories taught me moral lessons and gave practical examples to follow.

Grandpa was never in too much of a hurry to talk to me. He was a godly man who taught me in practical ways. He asked for my thoughts and reinforced good thinking. He steered me at times from harmful ways and did so without ever putting me down. His stories taught me a lot about people and gave me discernment in dealing with challenging circumstances.

I still have that ladder-back rocking chair. It sits on my back porch. I often sit in it to pray and reflect on life lessons given lovingly in years gone by, but not forgotten. Thank you, Grandpa, for your stories that have shaped my story.

But now… “Parker, what was that you wanted? A story? You bet. Sit down and let me tell you about the time I…”

Editor’s Note: Dr. Dan Iles challenges each of us to take the time to share significant moments in our lives. This intentional capturing of these moments can be used to reinforce truth deep in the hearts of the next generation to bless them and beyond. These stories can be passed down through the ages and long outlive us.