Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” Psalm 145:4

 Equip

As I begin to write today I’m not sure where this will go but it’s something I’ve been pondering  for a while now. It begins with one of the most emotionally challenging things I’ve ever done in life, and that is to prepare my four and six year old grandsons for their first visit with their little brother who was in the hospital with a traumatic health emergency. My heart ached so for them because their little hearts and minds were so full of worry and fear. There’s no doubt that their imaginations had created something far worse than it would be, because they just didn’t understand. This experience has lead me to ask, “How do we equip our children and grandchildren to thrive in this world where bad things happen?”

“Point your kids in the right direction-when they’re old they won’t be lost.” Proverbs 22:6 (MSG)

There’s a story in Luke where young Jesus’ parents think he’s lost and can’t find him. Once they do and are back home it says He grew in wisdom. Where had they found Him? The Temple, His (our) Father’s house. I don’t know about you, but I don’t always understand or feel as wise as I’d like and yet, eyes of all ages are always watching us and I believe our examples speak much louder than our words. So, how can we direct the tiny (or not so small) souls around us in the way to go? I’m learning we must first equip ourselves!

If Jesus knew how important time with His Father was to gain wisdom, how much more important is it for us to do the same? Spending time with God through His Word, in prayer, with worship is I believe, vital in preparing us to “point” others in the right direction. And then, you and I must live it for all to see! Did you know that it only took ONE generation of people in the Old Testament to become unaware who God was and what He’d done? Why? Those around them failed to show them, leaving them lost. I want to do better.

So, what can we do differently? We pray for and with them, discuss Scripture, listen to their questions working together to find answers, and willingly share our own challenges, victories, and how God has worked through them in our lives, reassuring them He will in theirs too.

As we prepared for our hospital visit I asked the boys if they’d like to say a prayer themselves rather than me doing it as we had been. So sweetly, each one offered their thoughts to God. That moment was one of the most emotionally uplifting things I’ve ever done in life. I pray it’s just the beginning.

“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9 (NLT)