For Future Generations

January 24, 2019 – Something of personal legend stirs within me when I think of these words. Our diligence toward personal growth cannot be for our benefit alone. Just as in all other aspects of life, we learn lessons and our children gain from our wisdom and, in theory, become wiser, passing on a greater understanding to their children. This should always be true of what we learn from scripture. Like the sermons of Charles Spurgeon or the writings of C. S. Lewis, we must share what we have learned with all those who follow.

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It’s not too early, Son, to begin thinking about the generation that will come after you. My life has definitely been a work in progress, and you’ve seen both the best and the worst of me. Things I have always tried to do include:  telling you I love you every day, hugging you a lot, giving you my time and full attention, passing on life skills, apologizing when I’ve been wrong, admitting my faults, working hard to provide for you, loving your mom and always showing her proper respect, and sharing my faith through my words and my life. I remember several times as you were growing up, I would have a conversation with you and your brothers about God being a perfect father. It usually followed one of my major blunders or emotional outbursts. I would tell you that I didn’t ever want you to allow my mistakes—my poor representation of God—to reflect negatively on Him in your eyes. It is my hope that you continue to take that to heart, and also, that I have earned your respect enough to suggest, like Paul:

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Then, live in such a way that you can pass that on for future generations.