As parents, are we leaving a legacy that our children can follow?

I have been blessed to have lived long enough to see my own daughter’s upbringing being duplicated by her daughter and son-in-law.  They are now the parents of one son and four daughters.  They will be the third generation to be raised under the guidelines of Proverbs 22:6.  They all love and respect each other, the elderly and all other authority over them.  For example:  If they see an elderly person using a walker for support nearing a restaurant entrance, they run ahead to open the door to make it less cumbersome for a handicapped person to enter.  They have also been known on a rainy Sunday to appear by any car door, holding a large beach umbrella. They are ready and willing to escort anyone into the church building while keeping them dry.  Helping in the church nursery is also on their agenda. At home, there is a plaque hanging in their kitchen that says:

SEE A NEED!  TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!  MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

And they are making a difference, not only by blessing people, but also in the animal world.  If a lost kitten or puppy happens to end up using the conveniently empty pet bed in the corner of the landing by the front door, they will be escorted home, if they are wearing a tag.  If not, they will be taken to an animal rescue shelter while waiting for a new home.

Most of the time, the TV Newscasters focus on the bad behavior of young people.  For example: “Spring Break in Florida”. We need to also focus on, and let others know, there are still young people being raised in a Godly way, such as putting others before themselves.

Our children should also be encouraged to bring their friends to our home. We need to be aware of the kind of friendships they are seeking.  From the time our children can talk, they need to know we are hearing them.  That can be accomplished by never being too busy to put aside our “busyness” and Stop! Look! and Listen! This opens up a line of close communication. When you look them in the eye, they know they have your full attention.  This is just as important as the warning signs at a crossroad.  They actually are at  the  crossroad of where they are as children now and where they will be as future parents.

I pray that all parents take seriously the standards God has set for us.  He is trusting us with the most vulnerable of His creations.

Matthew 19:13,14 – “Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.  But, Jesus said “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of heaven”.

Before your children are old enough to be influenced by the internet and all of the electronic toys their friends have, introduce them to God’s Word.  The answers to all of our problems and guidance on how to live a Godly life can be found in the Bible.  As popular as cell phones and Facebook friends are, they can’t compare to the blessing of knowing God’s Word.

Pray your children come to know Jesus as soon as they are able to fully understand that He died to save their souls!

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt