Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it. (NLT)
Out with the old…. I am approaching 2015 a bit melancholy. I knew my son’s senior year of high school would bring its mixture of pride, joy, sadness and tears. I discovered as 2015 drew nearer that my heart has become more apprehensive.
God blessed my husband and me with our only son 18 years ago. The world was a much different place in 1996. The technical, social, and political changes since his birth have been monumental. Some have been good. Some have been bad. Most, however, carry a mixture of both.
I wonder, do all parents feel this same apprehension?
God heard my prayers for him since I carried him in my womb. His father and I have been blessed indeed. Our son is in good health, gets good grades (which perhaps come a bit too easy for him), and athletic ability. He has a remarkable amount of wisdom and maturity in extraordinarily difficult situations. I am not without my moments of disappointment on his journey to becoming his own person. That, I suppose, is ‘normal.’
Though, as his parents, we have had a degree of influence in shaping him, we cannot take credit. He attended church regularly. I prayed for help and wisdom in raising him and let God do the rest. He is now navigating in a world that will continue to undermine his morality and sensibilities. As graduation day grows nearer I find, I must now pray for the ability to let go gracefully.
Wow, that is going to be a challenge! But, with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
The ever-increasing debt, the shift from individual responsibility to big brother ‘care’, threats in ‘cyberspace’, world conflicts, and moral relativity taking us in a downward spiral are only a sampling of my concerns. I pray for God’s continued protection and guidance over my son’s life.
May we keep all young people in prayer. These young adults will be voting on the issues that will affect their future and the future of America. – That is if they choose to be engaged. Apathy abounds and many will not.
In 2015, may the Church ‘resolve’ to pray actively for spiritual awakening in young and old alike. Going forward, may God’s voice grow stronger and sweeter than the deceptive the voices of the enemy in the world. May the conviction of the Holy Spirit be received and embraced to the Glory of His Name.