The Joy Of Family

It was the first time … the first time to go on a vacation with all of our family to a place where we could just relax and enjoy one another’s company without the day-to-day interruptions of life and its stress in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  What a time it was … being there with my wife, all three children and their spouses … and, of course, all seven grandchildren who are perfect in every way!  Hmmm

I couldn’t help but be reminded of a couple of passages in particular among many that came to mind during the week.  Those two passages read as follows in the NKJV:

“For I have known him in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice …” (Genesis 18:19)

“Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.” (Proverbs 17:6)

It can be so rewarding to be a husband, a father and a grandfather!  It can be so much more challenging to be a good husband, father and grandfather!  As I watched my family for a week … as I listened to them laugh, cry, grumble a little and pray … I couldn’t help but be reminded of my place in this life and I was completely humbled!  Relationships in life are important!  Helping others to salvation is so very important!  But I have come to the sobering realization over the years, but especially now, that saving my family … all of my family … is top priority right under pleasing and serving the Lord!

I wondered has God noted that in my life, a desire to lead my family in His ways!  I pray it is so!  I know “my children’s children” bring me so much pleasure and pride and then I’ve wondered so often if I’ve been “the glory of my children.”

If you’ve been blessed with children who are growing up faithful to God … give thanks and keep on praying for them while encouraging them in every way to serve God in all of their ways!

If you’re experiencing the indescribable pain of being a father whose children are not walking in the ways of God … please don’t give up on them or on yourself!  There is power in prayer … there is power in example … and there will always be the God of all power, love and compassion to sustain you!

It was a wonderful vacation … but life is more than a vacation … it is a journey that requires diligence, perseverance and focus! It’s time to get back to work!!  But I look forward to the next vacation already.  And I long for the joy of all of us being together, in heaven forever!!

My prayer, “Lord, help me to be an example to the eyes of all of my family … that they may see in me a living demonstration of Jesus Christ and of Him living in me!  Thank you, Lord for the joy of my family!”

“For to me, to live is Christ …” (Philippians 1:21)

Bill Fairchild, Jr.