A Chance Encounter

“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth!  I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old; things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children, but tell them to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.

He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” (Psalm 78:1-7)

It was a day just like most other days of late.  Hot!  Working on better health, I have committed to walking and have been very successful in consistency and adding time and distance as well.  The results have pleased my doctors and me.  But I can’t stop now!

An unusually hot day, I was paying the price for the sudden rise in temperature. I found a wonderful tree that provided the shade I was craving.  I was really thankful for the shade it offered.

As I stood there, it was my pleasure to watch a young father with his son who was learning the art of fishing in the little pond in the front of our subdivision.  The father was being so patient … he was answering all of the questions … he was being so kind … and he was being deliberate as he instructed his son how to place a worm on a hook and cast the line into the water, and wait.

The shade from the tree was refreshing … but the scene unfolding before my eyes was marvelous to behold.  It confirmed thoughts that have been pressing on my mind.

I couldn’t help but wonder as I resumed my walk and processed what I had just seen … who taught the young dad how to fish … how to be patient with his own son.  Was it his father or his grandfather …or perhaps an uncle or family friend?  Maybe he simply taught himself.

The connection between this beautiful event and our privilege of being parents and grandparents and the joy that should be ours in teaching spiritual values and truths is clear and sobering!

The inspired writer of Psalm 78 was fervently, passionately, urging his audience to remember what really needed to be remembered. Fathers were to teach their children of God’s goodness, blessing, mercy, love and also His judgment!

Psalm 78 is a psalm of reminders … reminders that if ignored would lead to further loss of souls … heartache and disappointment to God … and joy to our adversary!  The lessons of history are not always discerned correctly.  Even now, concerted efforts are being put forth to change history … to somehow re-write … or even make it more like some would like for it to read.  One can change the narrative … but not the reality of life as others lived it!

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into this world to make a way of salvation for each of us!  He came to provide for us hope in a hopeless world and peace in a turbulent world.  It has always been God’s intention that we who are parents and yes, grandparents, pass the good news on to future generations!

There is so much that needs to be shared from those of us who have already made it through the formative and growing up years of our children.  And hopefully, God will grant us the opportunity.  Just think … we can give our children the tools they need to find the greatest treasure available … an eternity in paradise with their Creator … the giver of every wonderful gift!

Turning hearts back to our children … turning hearts back to our parents … turning all hearts to serve the One, true and living God, “the Great AM”!  This is our task … this is our work … this is our time!  Let’s not drop the ball!

We would just as soon not be reminded of the brevity of life.  But, we all know that time doesn’t wait for anyone.  Today … yes … today is a day we will not be able to go back and reclaim!  And the fact of the matter is that none of us have been given some kind of assurance or warranty that we will have tomorrow!  “Redeem the time”!

I don’t know if the little boy caught a fish that day … but I know he was sure being taught how to catch them!

There must be a true sense of urgency and responsibility on the part of fathers and mothers to be more committed to the awesome work of parenting and making the commitment with Joshua when he said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) 

Bill Fairchild,

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