I Get It …

It has already happened.  I’ve been asked, “Why are you doing this?  You aren’t even a grandma.” I know, it is weird.  The whole thing.  

I get it. 

For me, as a follower of Jesus, I seek Him for His direction.  I believe He “speaks” to me mostly through the Bible but sometimes through what I call an “impression.” Now some of you are thinking - “Hey it was weird enough for you to be a part of a podcast about grand parenting without being one - but now you are going to be “whoo, whoo” about it?”

I guess I am.

I was minding my own business, wiping down my kitchen counter when the thought came to me, “You should start a podcast with Susan Bramlet and call it Fun Grandma.”  It was like a brick falling from the sky and clunking me on the “noggin.”  Inspiration from God has come to me like this before, not often, but a few times.  I knew it wasn’t a product of my thinking because at this point in my life I had listened to a couple of leadership podcasts in the car with my husband Kevin.  I couldn’t have said I was a podcast enthusiast - so starting a podcast was the furthest thing from my mind.

None the less, the idea did resonate.

I had for years sat across from Susan, my co-host,  hearing about her family, watching her teach & minister to kids, teaching the Bible with so much creativity and often thought to myself,  “I wish more people could witness this!! Experience this!!”

Also, I have come into my 50’s not in the best frame of mind.  Classic midlife crisis? Possibly, but a little late if my math is right.  Whatever it is, I find getting older a bit scary.  The little fitness I have is a huge fight to maintain - and many days I am losing the battle.  I don’t get the clean bill of health anymore at the doctor’s office - there always seems to be another scary test or the “if these numbers don’t change” threat of a medication is needed.  Friends are getting sad diagnoses and talking a lot about replacing body parts.  I’m definitely at the old people’s table.

Not the best attitude. (I hope I didn’t lose a few friends there)

Then there is the kids growing up, getting their own lives, making their own choices (hear the “gasp”) it has been great for my prayer life, but there is a feeling of loss - or at least change often feels that way to me.  I’ve also had to let a few dreams die? Maybe I won’t make that career move like I thought? Or achieve that skill?  I just continually feel like I’m running out of time.

“Girl, get a counselor”… (I know you were thinking it!)

Yet, I have had conversations with friends who feel they are in the best time of their life.  They are invigorated, looking forward to the day they will retire, pursuing fitness and having fun with their family. They are being brave, trying new things and going new places.  I can tell I need them around me.

Maybe that person is you? 

So even though the podcast is an out of the left field idea, even though I am not a grandma, and even though I suspect people will find it weird - it seems like part of Jesus’ plan for me in this next season.  I find it a kind, fun and creative project for God to provide me in order to face this next part of my journey - and if you find the conversation helpful ,we hope you will join in! It will certainly be a much better discourse with a variety of voices & perspectives.  

Isn’t it obvious we need you “Fun G”? - hope you will join us.