Often sports-minded and success-driven parents talk about how giving their children access to plenty of activities and healthy lifestyles is the most important thing they can do. But is it really? The most important generational blessing that a parent, grandparent or caregiver can give is the blessing of imparting to their children, the knowledge how God can, and desires to live through the act of love. When my niece Grace who now is 25, was only a few months old, I was asked to sing at her baby dedication ceremony. The song I chose was from a lullaby CD from long ago; “Jesus Will Cradle You”. The lyrics I sang were;
“Jesus will cradle you whenever your dreams they trouble you. He’ll chase your fears, and catch your tears until the night is thru, Jesus will cradle you. When your grown and on your own, and you find that living can be hard, it will comfort you to know that you can’t out grow your Savior’s arms, Jesus will cradle you whenever your dreams they trouble you, He’ll chase your fears and catch you’re your tears until the night is thru, Jesus will cradle you.”
I always loved singing to my children; many times I sang them to sleep. It was pure joy to lull them to slumber. Many precious moment’s I experienced while sitting near my children with only the stars and the moon to give light as I sang, and as I sang, I worshiped God. God’s magnificent presence filled my children’s small bedrooms. During these times I entered into God’s holy throne room and petitioned prayers for my children.
Family is God’s church in miniature. Just as God call’s immediate members who encircle the lives of children, to guide and care for children. God guides and encircles us with His love. The Bible states in 1Peter 5:2 Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but freely, according to Gods will; not for the money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Mommy and Daddy’s, Grandma’s, Grandpa’s and caregivers, you have been given a life to care for, a lamb to shepherd. It is your responsibility to reflect the word of God and live it out. If you have made God Lord of your life, and surrender your flesh to His will, you have the ability to teach the character of God. You are able to show kindness, self-control, goodness, gentleness, patience’s, faith, peace, joy and love. Read The Stages Of Family Fitness for ideas on how you can use physical activity to build character strength cross-generationally.
Please discipline with kindness, have self-control when your little ones are watching and when they are not. Be good and do what is right, gently guide your children and redirect them. Endure, stand in the gap, and don’t hurry God's work in your child. Take the time to be amazed along with your child as all creation reaches up and bends down low to reveal the intrinsic work of the Almighty.
Live out your faith, have faith, and be faithful. When you allow your children to witness your worship, and allow children to hear your prayers, you teach your children how to have a relationship with God. You teach children faith by being faithful, and standing true to God, not a religion.
