Happy Saturday Afternoon, Sisterhood!
Today, we take a look at Proverbs 6. These verses are packed with so much wisdom and instruction, warnings and rebukes. For today's purpose, we will look at verses 20-23.
The past 3 days have been filled with much rest and my granddaughter Adeline-Jane. While it may sound like an oxymoron-rest and chasing after a 2 year old- it's been a time of reminiscing when I was the mom of her mom, nearly 22 years ago. These 4 particular verses conjure up both memories of trial and error and determination to keep going. While I can look back and pinpoint moments that I got it wrong as a parent, I also know I got some things right. As a young mom, trying to find her way, the only thing I knew that was fail-proof and solid was God's Word. So my all-or-nothing nature dove right in. Trust me when I say that it didn't necessarily come easy at first. Trust me (again) when I say that even now treading the waters of parenting adult children isn't any easier; however, the foundation REMAINS THE SAME and that foundation is STILL God's Word.
I run into "empty-nesting" parents, from time to time, who look at me quizzically when I speak about the relationship I have with my 3 adult children. Somehow, it seems I missed the memo: once your kids are out of your home, the parenting part ceases to exist. Ladies, can I be frank with you? There is something about that train of thought that evokes a very carnal possessiveness in me. You see, I have birthed these human beings; I have raised them; I have fought with them and fought FOR them; we've had some lows along the way and incredible victories together. While hell and our present culture may want me to buy into the lie that I am done teaching my children once they’re grown, I KNOW that it ain’t over-not by a long-shot.
When I read these 4 verses, I see verbs that relay continual action both on the part of the doer (present) and the rewards of obedience to them(past and future):
20
My son, be guided by your father’s [God-given] commandment (instruction) And do not reject the teaching of your mother;
21 Bind them continually upon your heart (in your thoughts), And tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk about, they (the godly teachings of your parents) will guide you; When you sleep, they will keep watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light, And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life
Sisters, wisdom is taking what we’ve learned, whether by study or experience, and applying it in any given season(parenting, in this case), to bring forth good fruit. Applying the Word of God whether to toddlers, teenagers or twenty-somethings is not in vain. It is a promise to hold onto on the days it seems like your progeny have lost their heads. Today, as I hold the hand of the littlest of my tribe, I am reminded that I’m not done. I get the opportunity to speak and teach God’s Word again. The blessings of obedience and steadfastness far outweigh the frustrations and failures we experience as parents in those hard seasons-We serve a Good God!!
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