Plumbed Up or Plumb Crazy

By Hally Franz –

In a recent conversation with my mom and step-father, we casually considered my tween daughter’s progress toward maturity. I commented that she was doing better, and her grandfather concurred, but added that she needs a little “plumbing up” from time-to-time.

I’ve heard my share of old adages. However, this one was not familiar to me. Being of a certain age myself, I was easily able to gather the meaning. If the root word “plumb” and the context weren’t sufficient, I know Paw-Paw Ben’s grandfathering ways.

Ben is often stern, speaking in an authoritative, but low (pitch and volume) manner. He loves his grandchildren dearly, but expects proper table manners and respectful attitudes. Conversely, when our children were young, my mother-in-law chastised my husband and I if we dare discipline at all. She’s a frank, little German woman whose accent alone is funny, but our kids especially love when Oma’s on a rant that includes multiple uses of the words “geez” and “crap.”

Aren’t they fun! Grandparents, each with their own distinctive personalities and styles, add so much to our lives. They can be sweet and sassy or reflective and wise. Sometimes, youthful and hip; other times wonderfully old and stereotypical. They’ve grown secure in themselves and earned the right to be themselves.

This year, Grandparents Day falls on September 8th. Remember the grandparents in your life this month, and savor the time God gives us with them!

PRAYER: Gracious God, thank you for the gift of grandparents—for history lessons they give, for unconditional love they bestow, and for gifts of themselves they leave with us all.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12 NKJV).