My husband John and I are baby boomers. During World War II, my parents worked in the aircraft industry in California and returned home to Arkansas to build their new home and life. As their dreams unfolded, I turned out to be an only child and the object of their affection. Growing up, I was richly blessed by my parents’ love and care as well as the attention of my aunt and uncle who had no children of their own. Looking back, I believe I must have had family who prayed that I would be one in a future generation who would come to understand her identity as a child of the King and carry that legacy forward.
John and I met after college, married in the turbulent 70’s, and raised three boys in the fast-paced 80’s and 90’s. By God’s grace, our sons have turned into responsible adults. We know that just as God carried the Israelites in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 1), He carried us through our parenting years as a father carries his son.
It wasn’t until early 2000 that John and I had our own “Damascus Road” experience where our eyes were opened to God’s intent for us to really know Him and make Him known. Although thankful to be where we are on our spiritual journey, we have asked the Great Commissioner many times about the timing of this insight. Yes, our providing the right atmosphere for our children’s character to grow was an important and worthy parenting goal. But what if we’d known what we know now? This time, there would be more vision casting, more talking and processing together, more serving together, more prayer for transparency and heart transformation, and more longing for God’s kingdom to come among all peoples – that His will might be done and that He would use our family to do it!
Perhaps you are an offspring of one of those well-meaning families who, without having the vision cast for them, were unable and unaware of the value of passing it on to you. Be encouraged! I believe it’s never too late to begin making disciples who understand they were created to serve God wholeheartedly in His eternal purposes. Start with your #1 disciples – your own children or grandchildren. Yes, the culture is not the same one we raised our children in, but God’s Word speaks with complete relevance in every generation. The darker our culture becomes, the brighter His invasion of it shines forth.
We know that His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures through all generations (Psalm 145:13). So lead your family in taking its rightful place as children of the King! Determine to be a faithful link in passing on your spiritual legacy and sharing God’s glory as far as He allows. Decide now to courageously redeem the time and, with today’s 24 hours, do what you will have no regrets about for all eternity. Intentionally fill your family’s days with discussions and experiences that reinforce their true identity as ambassadors of truth and love to the nations.
You have more “how to” resources at your disposal than any generation in history. I just read Brian Haynes’ book The Legacy Path, a great primer on how to point your family in the right direction. Enlist your friends to study the book with you. Write your family’s vision statement and return to it often. Explore the Weave website to learn and grow together. That’s no-regret parenting at its best.
Great article Gloria! I am going to try to initiate family devotions at dinner time more often. Perhaps something simple like reading the bible, singing a song and praying for nation.
I love these wise words from my seasoned, Spirit-filled friend, Gloria. They resonate in my heart as I’ve launched two almost three to college and have a 14 year old son still at home with us – thank goodness! They speak to me because I see how quickly the years pass. Many days I still want to gather them to head to the library and then pack a lunch & head to the park! My heart cannot catch up with the fact they are no longer in our home. Pouring into them intentionally has peacefully calmed my heart on the days I feel their loss. Could I have done more? Absolutely. But unless you have a “loose” plan & implement it your good intentions will get pushed aside just like cleaning baseboards & organizing cabinets! Like anything else, realize there is time involved to be intentional. But, like you, my children are way more important than squeaky clean baseboards and picture perfect cabinets!
Thank you, Mrs. Gloria, for your thoughtful words. It is easy to slip into a habit of unintentionality. I need constant reminders to set aside the laundry and dishes and pour Jesus into my kids. It’s often the kids who remind me that the Kingdom is now and his commission is living and vibrant and doable.
What a call to action! Gloria’s encouragement to cast a vision and to serve together are the words that stir me the most as I am in a new season of grandparenting. I’m so thankful for the Weave website that can provide resources that supply what I need to teach and train these precious lives God has given me. Thanks for sharing your insights, Gloria. I am inspired!