THE WORD: “My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your hearts. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way of life.” Proverbs 6:20-23.
Can I have a “do-over”?! When I read this Proverb, I can’t help but think back on how I could have done better as a parent! If I had lived a more Christ-like example…I seemed to have rushed through the most important moments in the lives of my children. A workaholic trying to provide my kids with all the material things I never had growing up, only to realize later in life that at the end of the day, those “things” never really mattered. A lonely church-goer, married at the time to a non-believer; feeling trapped in a legalistic environment where keeping up with “appearances” seemed like the pseudo-Christian thing to do! Oh, if only I could turn back the hands of time….the extra hugs and kisses I would give, the bedtime stories I would read, the adventures we would have…and the heartaches I may have been able to mend? Please don’t misunderstand, it wasn’t all gloom and despair. We did experience love and laughter along the way, but more importantly my girls knew then as they do now that no matter what, mom is their biggest cheerleader, their biggest fan! My main regret was not having been in step with my Master’s calling.
But remembering where I came from and how I was raised often helps explain some of my flaws as a parent, as a wife, and as a friend. I said explain…not excuse. Allow me to give you a glimpse….
I accepted my Savior at the age of 17, and the fire in my heart burned brightly–for a while. I realize now that although my acceptance of my Savior was real, the seeds of truth landed on soil that went unattended for too many years. The weeds of temptation grew, and soon I became entangled in the many idols the world had to offer. The life I was meant to live in Christ became less and less important as I became more and more self-reliant.
As I look out my living room window, I see the 3 foot log I laid across the debris of leaves and dried plant material I lit after I finished cleaning the back yard yesterday morning. Today the log is charred but not burned up. So it was with the flame that God lit in my heart when I was 17. I left my church environment and started college, neglecting the flame of other embers (believers) to hold me accountable. My fire soon diminished. I strayed from my Savior. The alluring passions of this world weaved their nasty web around me and choked the gift of my faith that Christ had sacrificed His life to give me. Self-reliance became my standard protocol – a slippery slope that so often resulted in failures – at home as a parent, at work, and in my relationships.
I didn’t grow up in a Christian home. I didn’t have the examples of godly parents to provide wise counsel. However, God in His providential care took me out of a bad circumstance and gave me refuge in a foster home. I was blessed with an amazing godly foster mother, and a little later a wonderful pastor and his family, and a loving Sunday school teacher. They all lavished their love on me and planted spiritual seeds in my heart that in time would take root. It took years along a long, winding path of ups and downs and everything in between. It was when I finally reached rock bottom, when I was finally “so done” with the disappointments the world had delivered that I allowed God’s Holy Spirit to enter my heart! As I began to read HIS Word…His Living water quenched my thirst and nourished my hungry soil. I began to produce the fruit He always wanted to see grow in me. That old familiar flame I once received was reignited!
Today I dare not take for granted God’s gift of grace in my life. I purposely keep myself grounded with a group of believers that won’t hesitate to hold me accountable. Both young and old, they serve to remind me of God’s promises. I am more consistent with the study of Papa God’s Word. It feeds me in ways the world can’t. The messes that I made of my life have all been forgiven…the slate was wiped clean and a new chapter in my life is being written. How can I not count my blessings…how can I not shout out the mercies of ABBA Father that were demonstrated for me on the Cross of Calvary! I owe my whole life to HIM. Never again do I want my flame to diminish! Today I know that only in His strength and for His glory can I be of service to the ONE who set me free!
And so my hearts’ plea to my children today is to walk consistently with Christ. Make Him your FIRST TRUE LOVE! And to all those that may not be walking with Him consistently, turn back! Come back to the land of PROMISE! He is ready to restore you! Or, if you’ve never walked with Him, know that He is waiting to take you in His arms and love you just as you are! He will give you the courage and strength to give up the lies and the idols of this world that lead to eternal death and destruction! Empty yourself of SELF and allow God to guide you heaven bound!
Christ promises are true! He will restore and transform you in ways that you can’t even imagine right now! Surround yourself with other believers and grow in your walk with CHRIST! Quench your thirst with this promise – from John 4:10 &13 when he was ministering to the woman at a well, Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water!..Anyone who drinks this water (from the well) will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes fresh a fresh and bubbling spring within them, given them eternal life”
A journey with HIM is a walk to remember…a life worth living…a life of purpose and immeasurable joy! Take His living water and you will never thirst again!
Be blessed….IN HIS STRONG LOVE ~ rose
Rod & Rose 