First Hand Faith

"The child grew and became strong..." Luke 2:40

Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family. There were many pains that pierced Mary's heart as Simeon foretold in Luke 2:35, “And you yourself a sword will pierce." No mother should undergo what Mary had to go through. But before Jesus went into public ministry, she had watched Him grow, and become strong and bright. How her heart must have rejoiced in Him! 

My son Josh will soon be 30 years old. I look back and remember him as a baby, a toddler, going to school, and I can't imagine giving him up like Mary had to give Jesus up. After all, Jesus had His own mission, His own God-given purpose.

Like Jesus, our children have their own mission too. We can only do so much. Give them just so much guidance and protection. Eventually they have to find their own way. There's a saying, “God has no grandchildren”. Our children have to have first hand faith. They have to discover God on their own, and have a relationship with God. 

We can't hand it down to them. 

Even if we're not perfect in any way, we can be a model to them, and show that a life of faith is a life worth living. It is also important that they know that far more than  good grades or being excellent in sports or earning money or whatever, the priority for each and every one of us is a close relationship with God our Father, loving Him with all our heart, soul and strength. 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.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.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)