The other night Robin and I were talking deeply and thoughtfully about our family. Our children are no longer kids... and our family is expanding. We talked of joys and challenges. Oh we have been more than blessed as our four daughters and two sons have been an amazing part of our lives. I shared with Robin my desire and heart's conviction to pray "even more" for each one along with the expanded family.
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This conversation took place two days ago and here I am sitting in my chair in the early morning hours still pondering that conversation. Pondering and praying... Certainly, I prayed for our next generation that Robin and I have been blessed with, however now perhaps with more of a desire of sincerity and perhaps urgency. Two or three things are upon my heart...
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One.... The verse in the book of James that speaks of the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much". God working in my family starts with me as an individual. I cry out, "Oh, God let me be that man". A man after God's heart...
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Two... God laid on my heart the following principle... "It may be hard for one to shine when they stand in the shadow of another". May my presence and goals never stand in the way of what God has planned for those that follow after me. I know too many parents that are chasing dreams and earthly goals and in so doing, they have forsaken leading and teaching the ones that are flesh and blood. When one invests into his or her child's heart they are truly laying up treasures in heaven and not the temporary of this fleeting world.
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Three... I must never forget the principle found in Philippians 1:3-6 (personalized for myself and my family)
"I thank my God every time I remember you (each of my children). In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your PARTNERSHIP in the gospel from the first day until now, being CONFIDENT OF THIS, THAT HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL CARRY IT ON TO COMPLETION UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST.
LBR December 4, 2034
