Few things bring me greater joy than to hear one of my grandchildren call out “Milly!” – my “grandmother” name.

In fact, when our two oldest granddaughters (born ten days apart) were beginning to talk, I incentivized our sons and daughters-in-love with a cash reward to the parents who could teach their girl to say “Milly” first!

The oldest grands are soon approaching double digits, and the youngest is older preschool age. Fortunately (for now, at least), they all still enjoy spending time with Papa and me. We do our best to have each of the two sets of kids over to the house one day each week for Milly Day.

This summer, I’ve gotten brave enough to have the whole crew of five over for Milly Camp. Due to vacations, sports camps, and other commitments, it’s been a little tricky to schedule consecutive days when everyone is available. But we finally pulled it off. Milly Camp – Part 1 (a three-day day camp) is now in the books.

Three days of themed play, Bible stories, sugary snacks, and (hopefully) lots of great memories – done! Every room in my house has had a blanket fort or a tent set up in it or has been converted into a vet clinic, a pharmacy or some other type of medical facility. We’ve eaten dirt dessert, manna (frosted flakes cereal), quail (cheese cut into the shape of birds), popcorn stuffed into surgical gloves, and dentures made from apple slices and marshmallows. Our lone field trip was to the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) Discovery Center. While there, the kids enjoyed a visit to the planetarium and lots of fun activities that gave them a deeper appreciation for God’s amazing creation.

Each day started with a Bible story that matched the day’s camp theme. The grands learned about the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land on Camping Day. Their trip to the ICR museum was the highlight of our study on creation. And Milly’s house became a medical center as we studied about the healing by Jesus of Jairus’s daughter and the woman with the bleeding disorder.

For all of that togetherness, we only had one “opportunity” for a couple of the cousins to get to share the “get-along” t-shirt. By the time two heads had been squeezed through the neck opening, they were both laughing so hard, they’d forgotten what their squabble was about in the first place!

We had a blast, and Milly slept really well after the last day of camp. ZZZZZ…

I absolutely treasure the time Papa and I spend with these kids. We realize that the window of opportunity to pour into them will soon close. Before long, homework, extracurricular activities, and time with their friends will eventually bring Milly Days to an end. (Cue the tears and sniffles.) So for the days we have left, we try to pack in as much fun, food (some healthy, some not), and faith as we can.

And here’s why, friends. Our children and grandchildren will follow the example we set for them.

In 2 Kings 17, God sent His people into exile because of their persistent rebellion and willful sin. They worshiped false gods and adopted the practices of the idolatrous nations around them. At the same time, they worshiped God – Who had promised to “deliver (them) from the hand of all (their) enemies.” Rather than be fully devoted to their good God, they became a people of divided hearts.

And their children and grandchildren were watching.

2 Kings 17:41 says, “Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.”

The sobering reality is that the life we live impacts others for generations. How we disciple, direct, and develop the faith of those who come after us has long-term consequences. Will they, like the exiled Israelites, be a people of divided hearts? Or will they be fully devoted followers of Christ? May we be mindful of the influence God has given us, and may we steward it to His glory.

P.S. Milly Camp – Part 2 is coming up soon. Please pray for us! 😊

“Since my youth, O God, You have taught me, and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.” - Psalm 71:17-18