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These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
Impress them on your children.
Deut. 6: 6, 7 NIV
Downsizing required the daunting task of sorting boxes of childhood treasures. One item, though, made the experience worth the effort—a folded piece of manilla paper with a title scribed by a child. “Prays and Verses.” The contents held prayers and Bible verses cut from a booklet and taped haphazardly onto the pages. The back revealed the author—me! I left it out for reflection, hoping to reclaim some memory of this project.
My granddaughter’s visit gave new life to that little booklet. I discovered she was angry about not being allowed to join in her sister’s activities.
“Well,” I said, “Disappointment is a part of life, but anger is not the best way to express disappointment.”
Caroline considered my casual comment then announced, “I need some Bible verses to help me with that!”
Surprisingly, that little “Prays and Verses” booklet inspired her to create her own version, including her unique system for folding the paper!
Her project reminded me of Deuteronomy 6: 6, 7. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children, talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Since our family inherited unhealthy emotional patterns due to narcissism, I desire to take advantage of each occasion for generational spiritual nurturing. Through education, prayer, counseling, and spiritual growth, I can influence the next generations.
Father, thank You for intertwining the daily activities of life with occasions to influence those we love. Remind me often that You can also use truths gleaned during my healing journey to invest in the spiritual growth of future generations. Keep me sensitive to Your heart and those moments awaiting in the days ahead.
© Making Sense of my Life
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