Derek shares a prime lesson from his grandchildren. When our grands speak, we should listen.
Derek shares a prime lesson from his grandchildren. When our grands speak, we should listen.
Thick black smoke made it impossible to see. He was wandering, searching for a way out when his low air-warning bell began its constant ring. He was disoriented. He was running out of time. He had no idea which way to go. The panic began to well up inside. Then, behind him, he just barely heard the sound of someone else’s low air alarm in the distance.
Should I follow that sound, he thought, or should I stay here by this window? He decided to take a chance, and follow the sound of the bell. “Through the Lord’s guidance, no brilliance of my own, I came walking out . . . ” to safety. When the bell rings, when the Lord calls, what will you do?
Peace is, at best, a byproduct of something else, rather than a practical end in itself; so our focus must be – like our quest for happiness – somewhere else. And that somewhere else is grace.
“Life’s greatest discovery is knowing the will of God, and life’s greatest satisfaction is doing the will of God.” Do you believe that? Paul openly tells us that God’s will is always “good and acceptable and perfect.” We serve a good God Who loves us, and desires greatly to guide us through every day life! How do I find the will of God for my life?
We recalled the old saying, “Time is money.” I was putting all my time into the church and the ministry. Certainly that was worth something, we told each other. God knew our situation. Certainly he would accept my time in place of my money, wouldn’t he?
Had I comprehended, had I truly considered, had I trusted and had I endeavored to follow God’s guidance, the source of all goodness, so much sooner than I did, my children would have seen and experienced a much different father, and my wife a much different husband. Trust me, comprehending this truth is indeed a blessing.
Fathers have a great responsibility in raising children; because the ways of the father will often times dictate the direction the children take.
What is the impact of your Father’s Day legacy? Will your child, or grandchild, be willing to pick up the mantle of God that you leave? Will they continue to walk in the Light of the Christ who died for them? It may be time to evaluate your legacy, for we are but, “70 years, or 80 by strength..and they are soon gone, and we fly away.”
As we grow older we may begin to feel useless, unneeded and alone. God gently takes our hand and gives us His full attention. When Jesus sees us, He does not see uselessness, but a life, well lived and well-loved. God, who is never too busy for us, challenges us to slow down, sit down, and visit with Joan or Jim today! They need our encouragement!
As Dad, life is often understood as a series of struggles, and the role of “dad” is no exception. But this is a struggle we engage gladly, most especially when we take the journey with our Heavenly Father as companion and guide.
Growing old has increasing times where I find myself happy and sad at the same moment. It all revolves around love and the passing of time. Where does it go?
As grandfathers, is there anything you have left undone in your life? Is there unforgiveness toward someone? Is there something you have held in your heart for many years, that you know is wrong, yet you hold on to it? With our life shorter than ever, Carrie reminds us that we must not let things go undone. It is time to get our lives in order! “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
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