This has been a hidden fear for me ever since the day it hit me that Neil and I were going to raise kids someday. You hear it from so many parents; whose to say that the same 'take your breath away' heart-breaking rebellion of a child wouldn't leave me perplexed and questioning God one day. What is the secret to success as a parent? Is there such a guarantee? The last two weeks have brought me comfort and peace in my pre-mature fear...
The Israelites were constantly in rebellion. God would do something great, they would praise him, then they would forget, rebel, cry out to God, and he would save them again. Then He would tell them to remember what He had done and to tell their children so that the cycle of suffering and rebellion could finally be ended. But they didn't. They taught their children the importance of the temple and they probably ate meals together, but they didn't tell their children of the great things God had done for them. They forgot how He had crushed their oppressors; their children didn't know to fear God. They forgot that He had allowed them back even though they had abandoned Him; their children didn't know He was Grace (maybe this is why they didn't recognize Christ?). They forgot how He was vexed over them; their children didn't know His punishment was Love. "Remember" is the central theme of Psalm 78 and I would argue God's point most of the time He addresses Israel as a nation.
"This do in remembrance of me." He was gracious enough to attach an action to the remembering.
I won't be a perfect parent. I will make sure that I tell my children not only of the great stories of what God has done in Scripture, but also the great stories of what He has done in my life and for the generations that came before me. That's all I can ask of myself as a parent. To remember. To remind.
And to learn to say "I'm sorry" a lot.
*and while I'm talking about parenting, thanks for 'reminding' me so much, mom and dad.
2 comments:
I have no doubt that you guys will make great parents...no doubt at all. :)
(oh, and "HI" from Florida...I'm at the CGO now and rockin' the video dept!)
Perfectly written and completely agreed : ) Sacrifices and rituals He does not desire but a broken and contrite spirit. "Remembering" is such a key component to our faith, trust and belief in Him... to not forget. In fact, that is why we named Zachary after Zechariah in the Bible... it means "remember the Lord or the Lord remembers" : )
You guys will not only be great parents but inspire your children to be great parents too!
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