Singing Women

Can my children observe that I am "dazzled by Christ"? Do my children hear me singing? Do they observe a "Gospel Astonishment"? These are questions brought to my heart last week at the pastor's conference by Jared Mellinger from Psalm 78.

I was encouraged in my parenting and grandparenting to hear again of God's design for His families: for one generation to tell the next and the ones yet unborn that they should put their hope in God.

Too often I live in the here and now. I am so consumed with what is on my "to do" list, I lack joy and lose sight of one of my chief responsibilities: "the shaping of generations for decades to come." I'm not talking about teaching a few Bible verses to my grandchildren (though that is a good thing). I'm not talking about teaching them the Shorter Catechism (though a good thing). I'm talking about my children and grandchildren observing my delight in Christ. Do my children observe me processing life's twists and turns through the truth of His Sovereignty? Do they observe me walking confidently in the Gospel truth? Do they observe a bounce in my step because of all that Christ has done for me?

Ladies, this is what will make the Gospel attractive to our children. And not just our children. We must think beyond our lifetime. We have the high privilege of influencing generations with the truth about God. But they will not be attracted to the Gospel if they do not observe us living in "Gospel astonishment."

This means we must be motivated by "God's renown and not our personal legacy." But what better legacy can there be than to have it be said of me, "She influenced her great-great-great grandchildren with the love of Christ by her joy-filled spirit in her home. Daily she was heard singing to her Savior even in the midst of many cares and responsibilities. Her amazement in the Gospel created such a sweetness her children and grandchildren wanted to be around her and in result children yet unborn will hear of this Great Savior."

So today will you join me by gazing at my crucified, risen, and reigning Savior and by His grace turn up the volume of your joy in HIM and SING!!!