Share God’s love as God’s family

Recently I preached a revival meeting near my hometown. God blessed with some coming to Christ and others expressing a renewed commitment to follow Him. On the other hand, it was a surreal experience. There were high school classmates, friends of my parents and former church members in attendance. Maybe it is me or just advancing age, but I became nostalgic and sentimental while I was there.

Dad has been in heaven since 1994, and mother joined him six years ago. I miss them more today than the day they left. They were wonderful parents. They loved me sacrificially. They cared for me when I was sick, they provided materially as best they could and most importantly instilled spiritual truth in my life. They modeled for me what a parent should be. I can no longer obey my parents, but I can honor them as long as I live. If I honor my Heavenly Father, I know my parents will be honored.

My sweet wife, June, is the love of my life. She has blessed me with three children who love the Lord Jesus and serve Him. June’s influence in our children’s lives is a testimony of her prayers and God’s grace. She has been the Proverbs 31 wife and mother.

Now I watch our two daughters as mothers. I see both my mother and their mother in them. They exhibit similar approaches to parenting and spiritual nurture that were modeled before them. They are precious mothers.

Our three grandchildren are now becoming little persons. I can see their Nana and unfortunately their Popa sometimes in their personalities. Significantly, their lives will be shaped by their parents’ influence. Psalm 127:4 says children are “like arrows in the hand of a warrior.” They are to be shaped and sent to the target. The target is to bring God glory.

Our son is a blessing as he completes his journey to manhood. June and I are praying for him as he seeks God’s will for his life during his college years.

God has been merciful to allow me to see His hand in our family. It is all by His grace.

Soon, many of us will observe two family holidays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Find someone to share your love with during these celebrations. Make time to invest in a little one’s life. God has called us to share His love as a Family.