The Next Generation
Spring paid a visit today. Here in Southern California, the early blossoms are peaking out on the fruit trees, and there are hints of daffodils and poppies among the greenery on the surrounding hills.
In early spring, those of us who are keen enough to be watching will witness a spectacular yet subtle event. It is the annual migration of the Monarch Butterfly.
Right now in the highlands of central Mexico, millions of monarch butterflies are wintering. In a few weeks and in one accord, they will leave the forests in droves like flowers taking flight. They will travel north for the summer to feast on Milkweed. They will grow, mate, and die on the journey.
Next fall, after a 4,000-mile annual journey, these graceful beauties will return to the groves in Mexico. This feat is amazing in itself. However, what captivates me about this journey it’s a multigenerational effort. It will be the grandchildren or great-grandchildren who make it back to where the adults started. Likely to the very tree where their parents’ life began. Simply fascinating.
The story of the Monarch appeared in our paper today. As I read through the article, my thoughts focused on the compelling cycle of generations. There are similarities in the word of God. I immediately thought of Abraham who recognized God’s promise to make him a great nation. This promise would be fulfilled in his children’s lives and not his own. This is also true in the lives of Moses and the first generation of Israelites to flee Egypt. They would not see the Promised Land. It would be their offspring to inherit the milk and honey.
It made me wonder what the Lord was working out in my life which will only bear fruit in my children and grandchildren. In so many ways, like Abraham, I recognize God is at work preparing my kids. I look at my pre-teen daughter and see Him working through me grooming her for a life of faith. A life lived for Him. I see the Lord guiding me to raise her with character and self-confidence in order that she will withstand the pressures of the world.
So much of the little things I do every day will leave a lasting impact. In this way, when she travels on an unfamiliar and scary path or when she is jostled and hurt by the winds of adversity, spreading her wings to fly, she will always know where home is.
Home is where the Father is.
I want to raise my daughter to know God and to become beautiful in His eyes. Just like the Monarch, when it is her day to take flight she will be prepared to continue the journey in the service of the Kingdom.
It is a promise I see fulfilled off in the distant future. After all it is our children who will face the enemy in an increasingly evil world.
O Lord God, Let us right now today recommit ourselves to train up our children to face the world, to spread their wings but never forget where home is. In Jesus name, Amen.
Absoutely BEAUTIFUL, Lynn!!
Awesomely beautiful my sweet friend.
What awesome pictures. I notice every fall here in the midwest when the monarchs come through the area. it is just incredible to me how a caterpillar morphs into a butterfly. Hmm…isn’t that what God does to us?
Awesome….Incredible—-what beauty surrounds us…how He must love us to give us such delights! You are an awesome mom Lynn, I know—I just know! The seeds you are planting daily in sweet daughters life will blossom and bloom into a plant of great joy to the Lord!
“…she will always know where home is.
Home is where the Father is.
Beautiful Lynn, the above just stood out to me. Thank you so much for this post.
Lynn, thank you, thank you! This was such an encouraging post to me this Sunday morning. Not only for my own kids, but to encourage the parents in our church to teach by word and dead the faith that they hold so precious, so that our children in turn can face tomorrow with boldness and hope! God Bless!
Lynn,
When I read this, two things stood out for me: one, my Grandmother did this with me. And then my mother and father, as well. She knew what she was doing – we all did. And she did her job well…
And now, the Lord is doing the same through me for the lives He’s entrusting to me. I know that what He has given me regarding the call He has on my life, is true. You confirmed His word that the children and grandchildren would grow that vision into what He has promised it will become…
I love your writing. Always ministers to me. Always.
This spoke so eloquently to my own heart this afternoon –thank you, Lynn. I now think ahead to my granddaughters who will so desperately need the Lord as they grow older in these evil times. Still praying for my grown ones, and their spouses too…that the Lord would grip their hearts to see their need for Him again. A mother’s heart never stops praying…
“Home is where the Father is.” This will echo in my heart for days…:-)
Thank you. God bless you.
hugs,
Vicki
Wow – didn’t know that about the Monarch butterfly. They are so beautiful – I just love watching them (for hours 🙂 )….
You are right. We might never know what impact we might have on the lives of others – even our own families. May our Lord continue to guide and equip us to do the ‘job’ He has called us to do.
Thank you so much for sharing, my sweet friend.
Lynn, you are truly a woman after my own heart. I am just getting started with my blogging and am truly inspired by this beautiful article. Please check out one of my first blogs, reviewing my parents part in leading me toward Christ. http://devotionalprayerjournal.blogspot.com/2008/02/church-attendance.html My site THE GOD WHO SEES ME is primarily focused on how our lives impact the generations to com.
Charlotte
Good post. You make some great points that most people do not fully understand.
“It made me wonder what the Lord was working out in my life which will only bear fruit in my children and grandchildren. In so many ways, like Abraham, I recognize God is at work preparing my kids. I look at my pre-teen daughter and see Him working through me grooming her for a life of faith. A life lived for Him. I see the Lord guiding me to raise her with character and self-confidence in order that she will withstand the pressures of the world.”
I like how you explained that. Very helpful. Thanks.